On a May Long Weekend

We took a quick trip to the mainland. My parents recently moved from their home with a garden to maintain to a townhouse where someone else takes care of it. They didn't move far, from Chilliwack to Abbotsford, and now they are living where they first met, probably 65 years ago, or more. 

We spent Friday night with them, and Saturday, seeing where they volunteer at MCC (Mom with quilting and Dad with the thrift store). On Saturday night, after a good dinner cooked by Mom, we drove to Vancouver to spend the night and following day with Ashley and Owen, our Vancouver kids. 

Following church on Sunday we drove to Deep Cove and enjoyed a yummy brunch at The Village Table. Ashley and I had Eggs Benedict, with spinach, tomato and avocado - and we ate all of our platefuls. Tim and Owen had the Village Hash, also good. 

The weather vacillated between sun and clouds, warmth and a bit chilly from the wind. We warmed up considerably during a hike to Quarry Rock. Up through the forest, past trickling streams, catching glimpses of the waters of Indian Arm through the trees. 

The trail is a popular one, too popular, perhaps. I've never been on such a crowded hiking trail. Unfortunately, a few hikers seemed to be unaware of hiking etiquette - some didn't know to stay to one side of the trail, or to stop and let others pass in narrow spots. Worst of all were the ones who carried personal speakers blaring out their choice of music whether one wanted to hear it or not. Hello people, wear earbuds!  

Once we arrived at Quarry Rock, there were fewer people (and no music), and we watched a couple dozen kayaks going to and fro, with a few power boats zooming by occasionally. Sitting on the sun-warmed rock was very pleasant.

Another hiker took this photo of the four of us. The descent took much less time than going up. That evening Tim and I caught the 9 pm ferry home and were tucked up sound asleep by 11:30 or so. 

We've had a lovely Victoria Day Monday at home, puttering in the garden and kitchen, and getting ready for another week of work. It's short one! As you can see, the chives are in full bloom and oh, how the bees love those flowers. Have a wonderful new week!

Five on Friday

Outside my window the branches are tossing in the bright-lit wind. During my drive home from work I passed through a swirl of yellow petals from some unrecognized tree. The front yard contains two pink flowering bushes that are competing for best-in-show, I think. A small rhododendron has buried all its leaves with pale blossoms. The weigela is a mass of slightly warmer pink flowers. Lavender buds are forming.  

I am marveling at roses in April. Really. These past two winters have been so mild that everything blooms much earlier than usual. I have dared fate and the late frosts to plant my garden. Not the tomatoes and squashes, but hardier things like carrots, peas, radishes and spinach. Usually, I wait until the last full moon in May.

Better late than never, they say. Earlier this week I arrived home to a parcel on the doorstep. The return address said Australia. Bella sent me the beautiful items above as part of the teacup exchange hosted by Stephanie of The Enchanting Rose. I missed the linkup to all the posts - mail delivery overseas can be soooo sloooow. I'm looking forward to sipping some of that Australian Afternoon tea from the blue striped teacup that has a distinctly French vibe to me. Thank you, Bella.

I went out after work today and noticed that the chives have burst into flower. So I picked a bouquet for the kitchen windowsill, after snapping a few photos outdoors.

We took the winter covering off the lemon tree and picked a few lemons that had ripened over the winter. How does it do that? Lemon trees are amazing for having blossoms, small fruit, and ripe fruit all at the same time. Lemon bars seemed like a good use for some of those yummy yellow fruits.

I am looking forward to some family time this weekend. For Tim's birthday last month we gifted him a halibut fishing trip, so he and our son and two sons-in-law will be heading out very early on Saturday morning and returning later that day. I hope they bring home some lovely halibut! I don't know that I'll plan on it for dinner, though. We girls have not yet decided what to do, but we'll do something together.

Joining Amy's Five on Friday link up tomorrow.  

From My Herb Garden: Chives

Chives are one of the prettiest herbs, with their purple flowers perched on slender stems. The flowers are good in salad, broken into bits, with a stronger flavor than the stems. The bees love the flowers and there's usually a horde of them buzzing about when the chives are in bloom.
 

 Before school ended in June, I filled in for a Home Ec teacher who asked me to demonstrate the technique for a souffle. I hadn't made a souffle for several years, so I thought I should practice at home. Individual ones like these Cheese Souffles with Chives are good for a light dinner or lunch, accompanied by salad. So yummy.

Cottage Cheese Dip - something for these warm summer days. I made this last year and haven't yet done so this year. That needs to be remedied.

Chives are so easy to grow and one of the first herbs that grows in the spring. There's nothing like a snipping of fresh green chives to liven up a winter (or summer) dish. Are there chives in your garden? Are they in bloom now? (Mine are blooming for the second time round this season.)