Tag Archives: travel

New Adventures. . . .

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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.

MY COUNTRY’S BIG DAY

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Today, July 1st is my country’s big day–Canada Day. My country is 158 years old so it is still very young. I have always felt proud being Canadian. When my grandparents came from China in the early 1900’s, it was supposedly a land of opportunities for this was a very young country. It was a lie for the country was still ruled by racists and strong prejudicial feelings towards any non-white foreigner who was willing to work hard at any menial job just to survive and raise a family. Both my parents were born in Canada, but not recognized as Canadians. It was a hard life for them too because racism and prejudice still ruled. When World War 2 broke out, young Chinese men enlisted to fight for an adopted country who didn’t want them. My father helped build ships. They fought a war that semi-promised they would have citizenship as Canadians when the war ended. It wasn’t until 1949 when Chinese Canandians were allowed to vote, giving them the opportunity to finally enter business, universities and pursue professional careers.

My brother, sister and I were fortunate. By the time we were born, people were more open-minded in their thinking. Education and opportunities were there if one was willing to work hard. My classmates and I did. There were engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, accountants–even politicians and judges. Times were changing and Canada was growing.

Today, my fellow Canadians and I are sharing strong patriotic feelings for our country. We are made up of thousands of immigrants who, like my grandparents, built up generations of their families, making Canada their forever home. Asians, Europeans, Middle -Easterners, Africans–any one wanting to start a new life–all contributed their cultures, foods and skills to make Canada special. The First Nations people, who were here first, have fought long and hard to be recognized too. We all have a history. We all have a story.

July 1st will see new Canadians proudly taking the oath of allegiance to their new country. Many will be grateful for the opportunities to choose their own paths; the freedom to speak and write their thoughts; the freedom to travel wherever they w ish. I can’t imagine living in a country with a dictator who rules using terror and fear 24/7. And if your thinking is not along the lines of the dictator, then you are labeled a subversive, a dissident, a trouble-maker.

I hope and pray Canada will never be that. We need to speak out freely. We need to disagree if something doesn’t seem right. President Trump said Canadians were difficult people. We’re not. He just hasn’t learned the art of respect, diplomacy, friendship, compromise and fair negotiations. He can’t run a country like a television show. Pointing a finger and yelling, ‘You’re fired!’ just isn’t acceptable. And, he can’ t take another country just because he wants to.

I feel grateful and proud that I’m a Canadian. Today my walking route was through the Village and along the water, but the Canadian flag was fluttering in the breeze everywhere. Thanks to my grandparents who came to this country and put down roots for all the generations to follow. Their perseverence, determination and hard work, despite all the difficulties, made the members of my family what they are today.

Canada Day is a celebration that Canada is its own unique country. Yes, we still have growing pains and bumps in the road as we navigate our future. After all, my country is only 158 years old. But we will never be the 51st state for our American neighbors. I live near the US border and American visitors to my city will always be warmly welcomed. I have many friends and some family in the US. Visits across the border have always been friendly and fun. But forgive me if I travel within my own country for the next little while.

As Canadians celebrate with enthusiasm and joy July 1st, I wish all my American friends and family the same for their July 4th. No matter what side of the border we live in, people are the same. We all want a peaceful existance with democracy in full display. This is what we all fought for in our long histories. And, this is what we all want to firmly hold.

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

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It’s that time of the year again. ..already.

Whatever happened to the rest of the year? Do you find that time zipped past so fast that the growth rate of your grandchildren are your only clues that this happened?

I was asked the other day–by a lady who is so organized that she had already set up her two fully decorated real trees and had done her massive amount of baking—“Are you ready for Christmas?”. Thank goodness, my friend had a sense of humor and had answered the question that her tree would be decorated Christmas eve by her family coming from out-of-town. As for me and my family of collectable gnomes, I asked, “Does putting a sprig of holly on Simon’s hat count?” Simon is my woodland gnome.

Norbert, Simon and Homer look ready to burst into song, especially “Rocking’ Around the Christmas Tree” (that’s not up yet). . . .

At least, one saving grace this Christmas is the lack of postal lineups and the cards sent to family and friends. But the downside of that is the time saved on this task did not spread to other tasks. I found that I liked writing personal notes on my cards to family and friends who are far away. AND if you ever received a card with just a signature, it means you’re off their list next year because they can’t remember who you are and why you rate a card. But that’s okay–I already eliminated them from my list as I couldn’t remember who and why either.

I love the Christmas lights. It’s really pretty driving home when it’s dark seeing The Village and boulevards all lit up. The workmen had been busy weeks before, stringing up lights in impossibly high places while other busy elves placed lights around all the store-fronts and doorways of the Village businesses. The lampposts at the beginning and at the end of the Village route, were also wrapped in lights .. The candy cane lights were actually three canes, each holding a lighted ornament. . .

Shop windows and indoor displays are always a favorite of mine. It’s amazing to see the creativity of the merchants’ front windows. I like to see the bits and pieces as well as the whole picture. . . .

Anthony at Gardenworks never disappoints. He is phenomenal in his annual Christmas displays. And all his other artistic and creative displays throughout the year.

My favorite Christmas camels in Nicholas Randall’s window.

This was part of a planter display shared by two clothing stores.

I loved the sight of this Holiday spirit with the holly in the basket, a “topper” with a red band and a bicycle—parked outside a Village merchant. . . .

I don’t know about you but the more Christmases I go through, I learned this one truth. Don’t panic and just go with the flow. It only took me a few decades to figure that out. When I’m organized, a number of things can go wrong like the year the power went off as the turkey was cooking. That’s when you know Murphy’s law is about to fall on your head. Now I bake for our visitors and I put up a few Holiday decorations.

Another beautiful tree decorated by Anthony from Gardenworks. . . .

Hubby and I are ready–at least as ready as can be. Meanwhile I get to wish all of my Readers, a very Joyous Holiday Season. May your homes be blessed with the laughter and love of Family and Friends. May all your dreams and wishes come true in 2025.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANNUKAH! and a HAPPY, HEALTHY 2025!

And oh yes, may you always have a bowl of dark chocolate cherries in brandy by your side.