Tag Archives: Unusual

FACES, PLACES AND THINGS. . . .

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I truly enjoy my morning walks and when I was unable to do it for a week, I really felt the difference. This morning I opted to walk towards the water view but an unfamiliar connector lane beckoned and my footsteps obeyed. I am very glad I did.

The first thing I saw was a replica of the owner’s house, mounted outside by the sidewalk. It was artfully disguised as a free-lending library but the details of the mini-house were awesome. It was obviously constructed with loving hands.

The white tab by the side of the front steps is the handle to open the door of the free library.

Faces have always appealed to me. And it is amazing what people have carefully tucked into their gardens. I enjoy discovering them as I stroll by–senior cellphone camera ever ready. . . . except for the young deer, who most home-owners consider an “invader”, but I loved his cute curious face.

Further along, I was attracted to an electrical box that powered up the area and a dumpster. They all wore decorative covers that were attractive–in other words these containers were not the bland corporative khaki tan or ukky green that were an invitation for ugly graffiti.

Unusual signs have always been another favorite of mine. Over a series of walks in different directions, I have collected quite a few.

Nowhere near any fishing hole but a clever post for privacy. . . .

I wonder what others must conjure up in their minds, but I can’t imagine answering the phone as “Topliss Law Group”. . . . . .without smiling.

This was posted in a store window celebrating new graduates—-a very positive message to never let any negative attitude stop you. . .

I’m not sure if a sign warning of garden gnomes lurking and ready to pounce actually works. I haven’t spotted any yet. . . .

Enroute home and pleased with my photo treasures, I spied my final “treasure” high up the trunk of a huge oak tree. What a clever home-owner to tuck this little elf in a natural niche. . . .

Keep well, stay safe and may you enjoy the “magic” of your own neighborhood walk.

Spring Has Sprung. . . .

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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!