Tag Archives: Fun

New Adventures. . . .

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.

Spring Has Sprung. . . .

It was the white Winter Rose (Hellebores) that caught my eye. I was on a mission to see what was Springing forth on such a warm day. AND there was plenty to catch my eye as gardeners busily cleared the winter debris off their grounds and scurried to the Garden Centre to find plants to pop into the ground.

I wanted to find unusual things that perhaps get missed on the day-to-day walks. Today was another treasure-trove. . . on my first Spring walk for 2024.

Someone had spruced up this trendy birdhouse for some lucky birds looking for their perfect Spring-time nest. . . .

I had almost missed this rocky frog, sitting peacefully atop his rocky perch and shaded slightly by the drooping leaves.

I never knew that magnolia buds were “furry”–so all winter long I was waiting for pussy willows. Boy, was I wrong!

These fat pink buds began to finally unfurl and will grow into those fat fabulous magnolias that are my favorites.

I knew Oak Bay was big on recycling and this free neighborhood library is an “original.”

Where else would you find a vintage radio converted to a free library?

I’m glad the clever person also loved his/her books. . . .

On my homeward walk back home, I sighted this pair of cheerful blue birds, destined to be placed somewhere in this large garden.

I hope the owners put them somewhere obvious as they are too cute to be hidden . . . .

Almost home and enjoying this first full day of Spring—-my mission was successful and my reward of a triple chocolate brownie almost in my grasp.

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I hope those of you into this “spooky” day enjoy it to the fullest–especially all the little ones who are able to go “Trick or Treating”.

If you’re interested in one of the traditions of this time of year, the “Jack O’Lantern”–please click on the link below and hear Bernadette’s version. It is also a fantastic site for great recipes and the stories behind them. . . .Bernadette’s “New Classic Recipe” is one of the sites I am now following.

WISHING YOU ALL TREATS AND NO TRICKS – New Classic Recipe