Friday, August 01, 2025
Friday Favourites: Slow August Days
Friday, July 25, 2025
A Bit of This and That on a Sunny July Afternoon
When I'm not gallivanting I try to accomplish a few things in the house and the garden, as well as continuing to refine my book. I'm beginning to speak with publishers and am looking forward to having it printed by Christmas, hopefully. Meanwhile, I made Cherry Raspberry Preserves and Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Sauce. The pantry shelves in the basement are filling up nicely.
I read a very compelling book recently - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. She tells the story (fictionalized) about Martha Ballard, a midwife in 18th-century America who investigates a murder and a rape. Not always easy to read, and a good picture of what life was like in those days. The writing is beautiful and I was moved to write the following words into my own journal. I hope you find them equally lovely.
"I step into my husband's arms, soaking up his warmth and scent. We are in the twilight years of a long love affair, and it has recently occurred to me that a day will come when one of us buries the other. But, I remind myself, that is the happy ending to a story like ours. It is a vow made and kept. Till death do us part. It is the only acceptable outcome to a long and happy marriage, and I am determined not to fear that day, whenever it arrives. I am equally determined to soak up all the days between."
May we all soak up all the days given to us.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
The Week That Was: On Land and Sea
Summer is flying by. So many good things to enjoy. One day we took part of the family to Portland Island on the boat. Azure skies, blue seas, calm water, and stunning views all around. Mount Baker floats above the clouds in the above photo.
Bald Eagles are a common sight, but it's not often I can capture them in flight. This one soared overhead, circling the boat several times before deciding there was nothing to catch.
Iris and Cora have been spending time here while their mother studies for her master's degree. One day we watched a little video about coral reefs and then the girls created their own coral reefs, using bits and bobs of craft supplies in wonderful ways.
There's an old song about the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" - perhaps you know it. I told my husband this week that this summer is not the least bit lazy, and is mostly crazy with people coming and going at our house. I don't really mind the busyness and I'm trying to take time to just enjoy the garden and our new deck. It's a wonderful place to read in the evenings.
I do love summer. Sometimes I think we here in Canada try to pack so much into it because it's such a short season. People in other northern countries likely feel the same way. So I soak up the sunshine, eat handfuls of delicious fresh cherries, pick raspberries, and savour each day.
Friday, July 11, 2025
Friday Favourites: The Scents of Summer
Early in the morning, before the heat of the day, I baked Blueberry Crumb Bars, found at Smitten Kitchen. Last week when I baked them I used all blueberries. Today I mixed the fruit, 2/3 blueberries and 1/3 raspberries. Tim said the raspberry addition added a bit of pizzazz to the deliciousness. Frozen berries can also be used, so I'll keep this in mind for winter. The scent of it baking filled the kitchen. Mmm good.
This post has taken a long time to write for I pause frequently to breathe in the summer air, feel the breeze, and just be in this moment. The little garden bell brought from Japan by our daughter tinkles. I am utterly content.
Monday, July 07, 2025
Ordinary Days
Monday, June 30, 2025
Water and More Water
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Gold and Water
Abandoned houses and gardens tell the stories of the past. In one, yellow roses bloom alongside lilac bushes. Poppies grow from stone walls. A few homes are occupied as the area is great for heli-skiing in the winter.
Friday, June 20, 2025
Postcards from the Road
Friday Favourites: Slow August Days
August - a month of contrast, of winding down, of full summer. Already the days are shortening. The sun glows with fierce intensity, but s...
-
The stars are always above us, swirling in the vast reaches of space, hidden by clouds or, more frequently, by light, that of the sun or o...
-
February has never been a favourite month. Growing up in more northerly climes, it seemed that winter had made herself too comfortable and...
-
Fireworks pop outside as I write. The knocks at the door have stopped. Only a few mini chocolate bars remain in the bowl. Halloween is ove...