On my calendar today was lunch with two friends. From our table we watched the rain pound down, then slow, and finally cease. Boats sat still at their moorage, masts reaching up to the clouds. I enjoyed a delicious dish of wild mushroom ravioli in a creamy sauce. It was just the right size, not enough to make me overly full, but enough to carry me through the afternoon.
The three of us planned to walk through Butchart Gardens, but one friend was developing a migraine and left the two of us. Every time I visit the gardens, I am amazed at the planning that has gone into their development. There is always colour somewhere, and plenty of texture and architectural interest.
An old tractor makes a fun focal point for a harvest display. So many types of pumpkins and squashes, some looking very warty indeed. We noticed a number of shrubs wrapped with Christmas lights. It takes a very long time to put them up in time for the display that begins in December. There will be an ice rink for skating again, something that's been missing in the last couple of years.
This serene garden has grown on me. It doesn't have the floral showiness of other parts of the gardens, but is full of peaceful harmony.
Friends are beautiful treasures. We might spend weeks apart with only the occasional text to connect, but once we are together again there is never a lack of conversation. We have differing hobbies and interests, but are equally interested in what the others do. All of us moved to Victoria around the same time, and our husbands are also friends.
As L. M. Montgomery said, "I'm so thankful for friendship. It beautifies life so much." (Anne of Avonlea)
I think I would like the Japanese Garden. The one time I visited Butchart Gardens I was afflicted with a case of Too Muchness, so maybe the more "boring" Japanese Garden would be my style :-)
ReplyDeleteOn such a damp day, so much warmth exudes from how you shared time with your friends! I find sharing time with friends who I do not have a whole lot in common with, adds beauty in ways I never thought it could!
ReplyDeleteThat window photo from the restaurant is perfect. Very serene. Lovely to meet up with old friends and your ravioli sounds delicious. B x
ReplyDeleteLove that view through the window.
ReplyDeleteAgain LM had it right!
A wonderful day with friends makes your cup full. That garden always delights!
ReplyDeleteYour ravioli sounds fantastic, just amazing. And what a view. And best of all, the companionship of friends. You are right -- with wonderful friends there is no lack of conversation and we always love to know what the other is doing, even if it isn't our thing. It sounds fantastic.
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