Of Carrots and Walking by the Sea

 

Carrot soup, bright with ginger and garlic, on a January day is a dish to savour. I made a big pot of it on Saturday and froze some for the future (maybe for the day when my kitchen will be out of commission due to the renovation). 

Prior to making the soup, however, I picked the last of the winter carrots from the garden, brushing off the soil, cutting and throwing the tops into the compost bin. The carrots are misshapen and of all sizes, but oh, how sweet they are, full of crunch and juice.

This sky during our Sunday afternoon walk along the water looked ominous, but no rain fell. The huge container ship, 300 metres in length, ran into trouble out at sea and put into port for needed repairs due to a "rudder malfunction". In the lower part of the photo a tiny harbour ferry - I call them jelly bean boats - is dwarfed by the huge ship, but bravely bounces along the water. 

Closer to shore the clear green water looked almost tropical, but I wouldn't be the one to venture in. Many people had the same idea as we did, for the walkway was almost crowded at times, with everyone enjoying the mild weather. 

I was at the nursery the other day and picked up some seeds - zinnias, poppies, snapdragons among others. At this point the colorful packets are merely inspirational, but I hope to start seeds indoors in a month or so. Meanwhile, the viburnum is blooming, and spikey bulb leaves are poking upwards in places, giving hints of blooms to follow. 

This morning's sky was pink in the east and now, a few hours later, a wide stripe of pale blue is sandwiched between thin cloud layers, boding for a pleasant day for an afternoon walk. 

October Daily 17: A Grey Sunday Outing along the Songhees Walkway

 

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." John Burroughs

Today's walk along the Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria, took us along the Songhees Walkway. The path took us in and out of small bays, along raised boardwalks, past Garry Oak preserves, all set against an urban landscape of towering apartment buildings, marinas, and restaurants. 

On a day like today, with rain-washed luminous grey skies, it was a busy place. There is much to see along the way. Benches and the gazebo above provide resting spots, if needed. 

With the leaves falling, falling, falling, the wasp nest is exposed. Will someone come to remove it? 

A painted mural near the West Bay Marina highlights the boats of the past, from sail to steamship. 

We watched a float plane taxi out of the harbour, picking up speed when allowed, and up it lifted, effortless, for a short hop to Vancouver. 

A row of pilings points to the Coast Guard ship at dock across the water. 

Big boats, little boats, harbour ferries - it's a busy place, even on a quiet Sunday afternoon. 

We stood and watched a squabble between a heron and a gull. Round and round they circled, chasing each other, the heron's neck outstretched and the gull flapping wildly. I don't know what the issue was, but after a bit they flew off in separate directions. 

The rain held off during our walk and how lovely it was to return home to a cup of tea and a piece of apple cake, enjoyed in a warm home with the best of company. 

How did you spend your Sunday afternoon?

Late Thursday at the end of February

We're two months into the year now. They fly by so quickly, yet a lot of living is packed into a month, even one with only 28 days. In March we can look forward to spring while holding back our enthusiasm for it can be a fickle month. 

I've read more in February than in most months. Eight novels, one cooking/memoire, and a dabble in the gardening book above, plus some dipping in and out of travel books. We're planning a trip later in the year and are beginning to decide just what we want to do and see. 

I've begun another quilt, this one in greys and yellows. I love the bee theme there and hope the recipient will love it as well. 

Tim and I took a walk along the water this week. The air is brisk in spite of the increasing sunshine that aided the glowing colours of the Midwinter Fire (Cornus Sanguinea) along the path. 

Two Anna's Hummingbirds sat very still as we walked by. These tiny creatures that must have a difficult time staying warm these days. 

While reading Nigel Slater's "Notes from the Larder" one evening, I had the urge to bake something. Lemon seemed like just the thing, so Lemon Squares it was. They came out of the oven just before bed, so we didn't even try them that night. I covered them with a tea towel and cut them in the morning. I had one with a cup of tea about an hour after breakfast. Very indulgent. 

This weekend will be a fairly quiet one of puttering around the house, a little sewing, some visiting, and gentle cooking. How about you? Any plans?

Linking to Friday Bliss, hosted by Riitta of Floral Passions.   

A January Walk

Last Sunday the clouds scattered, skies lifted, and the desire for a long walk led us to the Selkirk and Songhees walkways. From Victoria's protected harbour, a winding waterway, The Gorge, meanders inland. Along its shores residential and industrial buildings mix in relative harmony. 

Several bridges cross The Gorge Waterway, including our infamous Blue Bridge, soon to be replaced by another. Construction has been long and fraught with delays of one sort or another, but in a few months, the iconic bridge above will be replaced by a sleeker, modern version. 

Roses in January? How can that be? These were blooming in the shelter of shrubs. Such pretty blossoms for winter. 

We saw many birds along the way, including Mr. Old Grumpy, aka Great Blue Heron. 

Others had the same desire for fresh air and when a woman coming from the other direction cried out, "oh look," I looked. From a stone wall above the walkway, a clump of snowdrops looked down on passersby. 

Cloud-streaked skies and delicate colours let us know that it was time to head back to the car, an hour away. 

Since Sunday, more rain has fallen, but have you noticed the days are noticeably longer?