somewhere, somehow, sometime,

humour, snack, thoughts and observations, , , , , ,

Somewhere, Fate hands me a silver bowl, loaded with all the nifty things I want to do, but there are only 24 hours to do them. My day–like everyone else’s day–only has 24 hours, so how the HECK am I going to enjoy my bowl of fun and pleasure before it all expires?

According to one of my helpful neighbors, “Forget eating and sleeping, Honey. This is your golden opportunity to shed a few pounds, be the energizer bunny and enjoy your fantastic bowl loaded with stuff from your wish-list.”

Okay, I like writing. Mostly fiction. The kind of stories where there are bodies, a sleuth, a bizarre mystery and ample fuel stops–that’s spelled desserts–pointing the way to a clever solution. Well, I made it into an Anthology, appropriately titled “Murder on the Menu.” AND it’s written by 6 crime-writers who all have creative, devilish minds filled with murder and mayhem. Somehow, I’m included among them. We are collectively the “Second-Act Sleuths.” The 6 short stories will grab your eye-balls and never let go. This is the book you won’t be able to put down unless it’s a dire emergency.

Then, there’s all the other books I want to read, start to read and absolutely don’t want to read. Do you do this? Since I only have limited hours, I can start with one fabulous book–even though I can’t finish it in my allotted time, but I will ’cause it got me hooked. . . .somehow.

Did I mention I like desserts? I can nibble my way through the appetizers and main courses, but desserts crushes my resistance like a tank rolls over a Porche. I’ve always wanted to be beside the baker at my favorite Italian bakery, watching him create the light, buttery almond croissants, the flaky little cream-filled horns, those delectable cannoli and the unforgettable chocolate almond cakes.

There is absolutely nothing that compares to a slice of moist, dark chocolate almond Torta Caprese or the mouth-watering tray of Cannoli. Nothing imperfect would ever pass through the kitchen door as I would volunteer to be quality-control. However, I would probably starve for a taste, since the baker never makes a mistake, except maybe. . . . sometime.

My neighborhood is a bonanza of flowers and blooming trees. Taking a leisurely walk, the magnolias are magnificent, but once they burst into full bloom, it seems their days are numbered. The pink and white Japanese cherry blossoms already lined the boulevards in late Winter/ early Spring. Now, magnolia and cherry blossom petals “snow” on the lawns and sidewalks. That’s a sign that Summer is fast approaching. . . . somewhere.

Besides the magnolia blooms above, there is also the spotted tiger toad plant and the deep pink, hanging clusters of peiris.

Somehow, my favorite store, Good Things, is open and ready for me to peruse its contents. I have fond memories of the treasures I was able to photograph before they were sold to some discerning buyers . .

This has been a curiously note-worthy experiment of what can-be-done in 24-hours. Has it made you wonder what you would do if given the opportunity? It’s been an impulsive, yet fun moment, with no time to plan. BUT, I discovered I do love to read and enjoy my desserts.

I have an hour left so I’m going to enjoy a cup of caffeine plus a Yonni doughnut or two. Perhaps, a honey lemon cruller or a cinnamon sugar ring or . . .both?

So, somewhere, somehow and sometime—what do you plan for a spontaneous 24 hours? Don’t think. . . . just do. . . . .and ENJOY!

DASHING INTO FEBRUARY

humour, thoughts and observations, , ,

Well, for Heaven’s sake, here we are in February. Whatever happened to January? I think, as we gain another year of wisdom, that the days pass like Autumn leaves blown by the wind. And it seems, Life can be fascinating if we pause to look.

A few days ago, I wanted to photograph the signs of early Spring. As I checked my condo’s garden, I spotted this among the rocks. . .

A very tiny Mario, the familiar figure of the early hand-held computer games. . .
Do you remember him?

Well, that was a promising start. All I had to do was keep an eyes out for anything small and unusual. This next was from a previous walk but you do have to look up as well as down and all around!

Now, aren’t you glad you looked up to see this cheerful mushroom sheltering a smiling elf? And all nestled in the gnarly trunk of an enormous oak tree. . . .

From past walks, I loved to take photos of bird-houses as some owners were quite creative. I often wondered how many birds actually took advantage of the free housing. . . Of course a few were just decorative. . . .but I did see that the townhouse was definitely occupied with its slightly larger separate entrances on the other side.

Oak Bay had a number of artistic and innovative art pieces scattered about and displayed for a few months. A few were quite good and elicited some strong opinions.

This “Thinking Man” got a lot of attention as his left hand is cradling a cellphone and his right hand is propped on his chin while smoking his cigarette. What made it controversial is his choice of “seating!” His sneakers were the real deal painted over with silver paint. And despite all the laughing criticism, he’s still visible for a few more months on a side street off the main drag. . . .

A few years ago, this copper finch was displayed against the scenic waters of McNeill Bay. It was even more impressive when the sunlight reflected off its surface.

I really liked this lair of foxes. The whole piece was crafted so lovingly and reflected the theme of “Family” very well. My fave Italian Bakery, Ottavio, is across the street on the right.

I do enjoy seeing tiny things tucked here and there–if they were intentional, these surely got some attention.

The last photo of a tiny lizard was a photo I never expected to get. I was told my area had a lot of tiny lizards scurrying in and out of the greenery. This was the first time I actually “captured” one scaling up a telephone pole. . .The Cow Bell does work for the back gate of this house. The Gnome Home was taken in the Summer–the “owners” even had a cozy chair for two on the shady side!

It’s really fun to take photos that unexpectedly fall into your path. But it’s difficult to think how to compile them into a theme or a part of the story my rambling brain tries to tell. On my walks I like the interaction with passerbys who sometimes point me in a direction I hadn’t thought of going. I call this next section– Smiling Faces in Odd Places!

I didn’t expect to see this on the trunk of a palm tree. I think the owner has a sense of humor, don’t you?

This was one of the cat art on a hydro pole. It was also one of the pole arts that was not vandelized. What sort of stupid, inconsiderate, boor would even think of vandelizing fun art that took skill and time to be appreciated. . .

Isn’t it amazing to find watchful eyes in unexpected places?. . . .

I did show this one before but the expression on the cat made it one of my faves! Honestly, art can be found anywhere and this little gem was found on the back of a door in the ladies’ washroom! And with a few squiggles of a pen. . . .

Signs of an early Spring have sprung up in multiple gardens in my city. Originally, I had planned to find evidence of this but got distracted, so here they are.

The snow-drops, purple crocuses and the yellow daffodils are popping up from the earth. Nice to know Nature moves along despite politics and world affairs from afar and nearby. . . .

It’s’s probably a lot of attitude that makes us look at Life with a big grain of salt and that cheeky look that says Heck with you. I like Me . I’m content and enjoying my moment. . .

I wish all of you a warmer February filled with blue skies. Thank you to my friend Pedometergeek who writes her own blog, nbsmithblog.wordpress.com and pointed me to Charlie Mackesy’s “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” as well as its sequel, “Always Remember the Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm.” I highly recommend it to all my Readers, especially if you’re suffering from the Winter blues.

But most of all, thank you for following my blog. In the words of the Mole and the Horse to the Boy, quoted from Charlie Mackesy’s sequel “Always Remember the Boy, the Mole. . . .”

“Be in the moment, it’s all we have. This Life, seize it.”

Bits and Bobs

Uncategorized, , , ,

I enjoyed reading Richard Osman’s “The Last Devil to Die”, an entertaining murder mystery involving the Thursday Murder Club. I think part of the enjoyment comes because the four friends are all seniors, living in a retirement home and made it their hobby to help the police solve murders. One of the characters mention writing her bits and bobs in her daily journal and those three words grabbed my attention. I had always thought it was bibs and bobs as one of the tenants that had rented the upstairs of the family duplex, had a bit of a lisp, especially when she forgot to wear her upper plates. Now, decades later, I have the corrected version which makes more sense.

Being awake at 2:33 am is no fun. Instead of drifting off again into a nice, restful sleep, my mind was hop-scotching in various directions–none of it earth-shattering or needing life-and-death decisions. Bringing a home-baked apple pie or a lemon meringue to a pot-luck was not exactly serious enough to result in insomnia. And neither was car-pooling because our driver was a certified teacher for educating her students to the rules of the road. I had already dismantled the newborn hat that didn’t fit the grapefruit and started another version. The grapefruit was supposed to be the size of the newborn’s head. My last thought was throwing together blueberry muffins now to bake later or baking them now and we would have fresh-baked but colder by the time we were ready for breakfast. Also, if I did get up to do all this, I would be really wide-wake. And it was on that thought that I must have finally fell asleep.

Browsing through my favorite shop, Gardenworks, made me realize Christmas was exactly four days away as I write this. The artistic staff had been busy with their Holiday creations and there were plenty of inspirations for photos and gifts. Gnomes and Christmas birds were a part of it. Perhaps that was why my thoughts were scattered and filled with bits and bobs–Christmas was already around the next corner and I was just not ready. . .yet.

Lots of Holiday reds. . .that helped make a festive mood. Note I said festive and not chaotic which was what I was kind of feeling. . .

Gnomes and Owls–that helps. . .I really love owls and gnomes are another favorite. . .

A real orange tree makes it a Holiday scene. . .I’m feeling a bit of that festive mood now and less chaotic over what needs to be done. . . .

Pinecones and evergreen boughs. . really great scent and the sight evokes Christmas scenes of the past. . .

They’re not silver bells but silver balls and cones, on a bed of evergreen boughs makes it another Christmas scene.

Christmas Eastern Teaberries add to the mood. Thank you Gardenworks for getting me back into the Holiday spirit. Just browsing through your wonderful and friendly store makes it inspiring. . .

I think the sound of Christmas really hit when I attended a Pre-schooler’s concert. The carols sung by the 4 year olds was especially memorable, when one of the little boys proudly announced that it was his baby brother who was asleep in the large wicker basket as the enthusiastic voices sang ‘Away in the Manger.’

The smell of butter cookies, gingerbreads and mince tarts, baking in the oven, makes Christmas even closer–practically on my doorstep! It’s nice to know that the sight of Christmas-y reds and greens on displays– plus the sugar and spice scents that dominate the Holiday scene does make it a holly, jolly, ho-ho-ho, candy-cane moment.

Now the big day is finally here.

Thank you to all my Readers who read my bits and bobs and joined me on all my walks. I would like to wish all of you the Merriest of the Holiday Season. May 2026 make many happy memories to savor and enjoy; bring unexpected moments to be fondly remembered. But most of all, have old friends by your side joined by new friends met along the way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THAT MIDDLE FINGER

humour, thoughts and observations, , , , ,

I think my childhood may have been a tad lacking in some things but it was my Big Brother and my Best Friend who set me straight. Maybe my parents wouldn’t have agreed but how else was I to know about that middle finger?

I remembered the first time I saw it. I was learning to drive. Dad was my teacher. I actually got out of the mall parking lot and on the road in our ’64 Corvair. Needless to say, I was thrilled beyond words . Dad gained 20 white hairs and kept reminding himself I was the last off-spring to learn to drive and he could finally retire. At least, that’s what he always told us years later.

We were driving down this quiet residential street and Dad kept up a running commentary of “Stop sign coming, remember to stop” or “School zone, slow down” all the while his foot was tapping invisible brakes on his side.

I stopped, checked left, checked right and proceeded across. Immediately a raucous blare of someone’s horn jarred my concentration and a noisy Volks passed me with a finger sticking out, the middle finger.

Dad said, “Ignore that jerk. He had no right to pass as you were doing good. Make sure your door is locked.”

I thought back. What exactly did I do wrong? What did that finger mean? It clearly wasn’t friendly.

I showed my Big Brother when I got home and asked him what it meant.

“Don’t ever, ever do that finger thing to anyone and especially not in a car unless the windows are rolled up, the doors are locked and you drive away fast. It’s not a good thing to do unless you’re prepared to run.”

“But what does it mean?” I bugged him.

“It means bad things and even if you’re really angry, don’t do that middle finger thing. People–especially the wrong kind of people–find it insulting and fight-worthy.”

Big Brother explained it the best he could. I got the impression that males can do it ’cause they know how to fight and probably spoiling for a good fight. On the other hand, females aren’t supposed to be spoiling for any fight, so they’re not supposed to know this finger thing to get into trouble.

That was the explanation I got when I was sixteen.

I’m much older now. And I have arthritis in both hands. But it’s worse in my right hand. It affects my fingers, especially the middle finger that doesn’t fold down–it sticks up. The honest truth. I can’t make a decent fist without giving the finger.

“Why on earth would you want to make a fist?” asked my Best Friend.

“Well, you know–blood tests and stuff, they always ask you to make a fist.”

“Which hand is making the finger?” queried my BF.

“My right.”

“Well for Pete’s sake, it’s the left hand that would make any gesture out the driver’s window and all those fingers are good, right?”

“Yep.”

“Then stay away from using the right hand and it’s middle finger and you’ll be fine. Jeez for a minute there, you had me worried you got mixed up in the wrong crowd!”

“Do you realize that in my entire life so far, I’ve never used that middle finger wave and I’ve only seen it 3 times?”

“First of all, don’t ever wave that finger. Secondly, stay away from people who do. And thirdly, if you ever have to, make sure your windows are rolled up, the doors are locked and you drive away fast, ” my BF advised.

I forgot to ask how do you do the gesture if the windows are rolled up? Anyway, I’ve never had to give the unfriendly wave, so I guess I’m safe.

FROM “HONEY AND HUGS”

Uncategorized, , , , ,

I’ve always had a warm spot for Pooh-Bear and one of his besties, Piglet. Somehow, he always knows the right things to say. AND in this crazy world of ours, this is a very wise observation. . .

This is shared from “Honey and Hugs” (found on Facebook)–a wonderful collection of Pooh-Bear’s interpretation and observations in his 100 Acres Forest home.

HERE COMES AUTUMN. . . .

Uncategorized, , , ,

Well, who would have thought Summer would eventually migrate south to warmer climates and sunnier days. Here we are, almost mid-October and all the signs of Fall are parading past on my walks–suddenly my walking tees and shorts are now sweaters and jeans.

The first signs for home-owners and pedestrians alike–the trees are shedding their leaves, baring themselves for Winter.

Heavy overnight rains often result in a burst of mushrooms, popping up on lawns, patches of bare soil and wherever they can grow. Summer had its occasional tiny patches but heading into cooler, wetter weather–larger patches of mushrooms seem to favour Fall.

These lichee-like fruit caught my attention last year, but I didn’t have my super spiffy cellphone that takes the photo and has the option of telling me what this is. Now I do. I was very surprised to discover that this is a species of dogwood, Cornus kousa.

The scented roses along this rock wall have finished their Summer blooms, leaving behind bright red rosehips–a sign of a season leaving and another beginning. . . .

Baskets of various squashes from my favorite shop, Gardenworks, definitely defines Fall. Mother Nature is preparing herself for a bountiful harvest and Winter’s hibernation.

Chinese Lanterns, coming to its almost dry whispy shells–ready for an Autumn floral bouquet–just in time for a Canadian Thanksgiving.

One eager homeowner had to set up his Halloween display before the month came to an end. October signifies hopefully, a bountiful Harvest, a Canadian Thanksgiving and it seems, Halloween.

I loved this when I saw it–an old farm truck piled with pumpkins at my favorite farmer’s market. . . .

With the Canadian Thanksgiving arriving in a few days, (October 13th), I have much to be thankful for. I am thankful that all my family are in good health and secure in their various homes. I am thankful that my American family and friends are safe and well where they live. I am thankful for living in a democratic country with freedom of speech and the freedom to vote however I choose. A few may disrupt the system, but never destroy it. . . yet. All our rights, so fiercely fought for by all our ancestors, must never be taken for granted and left unprotected.

MAY THIS THANKSGIVING FILL YOUR HEART AND HOME WITH LOVE, FAMILY, FRIENDS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER AND HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

AND FOR THOSE WHO COULDN’T THINK OF ANYTHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR–THEN BE THANKFUL FOR EACH DAY THAT BRINGS US A FRESH START. . . . .

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS.

New Adventures. . . .

thoughts and observations, , , , , , ,

September seems to beckon with new adventures. I suppose it’s because September gave a brazen wave telling us “Say farewell to lazy, sunny Summer, ‘cause here I come in all my blazing glory!” Little kids starting formal schooling for the first time AND adults trying new activities at the Senior Centre. New adventures for everyone. One of my neighbors was eager to try her skills at pickleball and signed up for classes. Another friend signed up for billiards while a third was determined to prove her bridge skills. Exercise classes and dance classes did not beckon to me yet, so I decided to go for a walk and see what new adventures awaited on whatever route I ambled along. Besides, I was testing out my new pedometer and was curious to see how far I really walk when I do my jaunts.

Tucked among some rocks, I found this treasure that set the mood for the early morning.

A person certainly couldn’t be gloomy seeing that! A few blocks along, I decided to explore a lane I had never noticed before, And just as I walked a few yards, a bright yellow house with the most cheerful garden came into view. I’m sure it was the colorful “cat” umbrellas providing shade to some of the more fragile flowers and foliage housed in colorful pottery set against the yellow—but it made me smile with delight.

Framed in a “window” of the hedge and foliage, was this tiny birdhouse, perched near one of the umbrellas. This was almost missed. . . .

Reluctantly leaving this show-stopping corner, I moved along to see what else awaited me down the lane and over the hill. . .

Near the end of the lane, another backyard showed a replica of a Chinese Terracotta Warrior. It looked as if he was peacefully meditating in a serene corner surrounded by Nature. I thought of it as his calm before the storm of war.

The fruit of this tree stumped me. Then I remembered my handy-dandy grown-up cellphone and used it. Wikipedia informed me that this was a species of a “Chinese Lantern” tree. I had never seen a real Chinese Lantern before that wasn’t a dried orangey husk used for Fall arrangements! You really do learn something new every day!

I knew there were loads of readers in my area because most streets had at least one ‘free library’ available to any passerby. I loved to photograph the colorful and unusual ones. This one caught my eyes because whoever built it continued the marine theme by using glass seahorse knobs for the doors. . . . .

I decided to turn right onto a major road that would take me through the Village and finally home. I had heard that the merchants were sponsoring local artists by having their works displayed in their front windows or on the street. I was curious to see what was chosen.

Initially, I had thought this ‘elegant’ lady was constructed of paper mache, but I was wrong. The owner of the ladies’ wear who sponsored this piece of art said it was strong enough to sit on. AND she did. The seat was surprisingly quite comfy. There were a lot of details artfully added to the gown, neckline and hair, but my eyes were caught by the sturdy black boots beneath the elegant gown. . .

A few windows beyond, this piece of art pulled my camera closer. . .

Does this remind you of fun school trips and the not-so-fun part of writing or drawing what you learned?

I’m not sure if this birdhouse builder meant this to be hung so low, but concluded these were meant to be decorative. They looked so cute and pretty.

Yes, Fairies are real. You just have to believe. . . .

The flowers and fruit trees are pushing out their colors–the fruit is definitely coming. AND those busy squirrels are scurrying to gather up the fallen nuts. .

The deer population has been growing with many twins and a set of triplets. This one was a lonely only. However, all the deer know exactly where to go for the best nibbleys and greens. . . .

Home at last! It was a fun walk and I did learn something along the way as well as enjoy all the things I saw on my rambling walk. I hope you enjoyed it too. Stay safe and well. . .always.

IF YOU ARE IN VICTORIA, BC ON AUGUST 28TH

Uncategorized, , , , ,

INCLUDING MURDER, MAYHEM AND OTHER CRIMINAL SHENANIGANS

COME JOIN ME AND A BEVY OF WELL-KNOWN CRIMEWRITERS FOR AN ENTERTAINING EVENING OF MEETING THEM AND LISTENING TO EXCITING EXCERPTS FROM THEIR CURRENT WORKS.

WE WILL BE AT THE TRENDY COFFEE ROASTERY CAFFE FANTASTICO 965 Kings Road on Thursday, August 28-2025 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Come meet and hear John Farrow, Jean Paetkau, Ardelle Holden, CJ Papoutsis, Shane Joaquin Jiminez, Christine Cosack, Jim Bottomley, Judee Fong and Host/Writer Magnus Skallagrimsson.

AN EARLY MORNING. . . .

thoughts and observations, , , ,

I love my early morning walks the best. Not because it’s cooler or even quieter, but because I’m always amazed at things I see and can photograph. I can be attracted to gardens or store-fronts or even a simple bloom that must be photographed or it’s gone forever.

The deer population had been quiet–meaning unseen–on my walks, although the gardeners have remarked how much of their gardens had been treated as a buffet for the four-legged wildlife. Much as I sympathized with munched upon gardens, I marvel at their survival instincts. I wasn’t quick enough or close enough to photograph a Mama Deer with her very young triplets or another family with their new twins. On another early morning walk, I did see several young bucks taking their chances being hit with an errant golf ball. I think the second guy felt no one would hit him among the trees. . . .

I enjoy spotting the unusual among the garden plants in stranger’s gardens. I admire the creativity of so many who do their best with very little.

These were handpainted plates mounted on a worn fence and tucked behind some lavendulas and tiny daisies. Another fence had ‘musical roosters’. I recognized the sax-playing bird on another owner’s property but had never seen the guitar playing buddy. His guitar isn’t clearly seen as he’s turned the other way. . . .

Since I was exploring lanes and side streets I wasn’t familiar with, my walking route was rather convoluted. The short street I was walking on took me back to the water view, which changed constantly.

The centre art piece is called “Cosmos” and is one of the newly installed 2025 Oak Bay Street Art at McNeil Bay. Cosmos is likke a giant pinwheel and often caught spinning by the sea breezes. The “Copper Bird” is an art piece from 2021-2022. It was an amazing sight when caught by the sunlight.

Signs always fascinated me. It can say so much with only a picture or a few well chosen words.

The last photo is a well-worn sign with a faded raven and the words, “The Coven.” It intrigued me as no one was in and the sign on the door simply stated “By Appointment Only.” As a writer, my brain was buzzing a million miles a minute. Was it really? Could it be? Rest easy my friends. It is a very clever marketing ploy by a trio of creative and professional hair stylists. . .

It’s true that if you stand still and keep looking up, people will stop and look up too–even if there was nothing you were actually looking at! BUT, there have been times when I would have missed completely moments like the following:

I’ve seen many birdhouses but this is the first multi-housing one. Who would have thought our feathered friends would be having problems finding their nesting place?

An old-fashion cowbell at the high back gate but with the cow attached! AND, yes it does have a very loud ring . . .

This house had an old-fashioned bi-plane hanging from their tree. It was made of recycled coco cola cans and looked amazing.

I’ve often wondered if the deer could actually read this sign. I think just looking at the grumpy face would be enough to deter them. . .or maybe not.

You don’t have to get a crick in your neck looking up. You can also look around and see some pretty entertaining things.

Everyone makes their home their own. I’m convinced the first is a retired fisherman. The second homeowner has a gate that is distinctive and marks the garden and home behind it as his. AND even the gnome’s home has his comfy bench to sit on to enjoy his early morning coffee. . .

Another fun walk to almost end my week. I feel very blessed that photographic moments are there for my camera to capture. No matter which direction I walk, the opportunities are present–you only have to see them.