Five Things Close to Home

Hooray for strawberry season! Now that Iris has gone home, I'm letting other people (like Tim) eat the strawberries. To be fair, there were just a few ripe when she was here. I picked a cereal bowl full of them the other evening, and there are more today. 

However, I'm feeling very Mr. McGregor-ish these days because the BUNNIES are eating the ripe berries. They take bites from the very juiciest red ones and leave the evidence in plain site. Such cheek! Last night I was busy with my netting and covered the berry plants. It will take a bit more effort to pick them, but at least we will enjoy the berries we've grown!

I had a physio appointment this morning and since the office is directly across from the Bog, I took along my camera and went for a walk after the treatment. The Bog was empty of people for the first 30 minutes. There have been cougars sighted lately, and so I picked up a sturdy stick and walked with vigor, letting my stick trail in the pathway or swish the grasses. Making noise tends to scare off animals. 

Daisies bloom in clumps among the tall grass. In some places the grasses wave about my head, and arch over the pathway, creating flowing, wispy tunnels. 

I caught a glimpse of two deer in a clearing just off the path. They stood silent, still, watching me very carefully. My first view of them was through the waving grasses and the photos taken there show clear grass and blurry deer. Just a few steps forward and I was able to get a clear shot of the deer, still so quiet and motionless. 

While walking up the street to our home, I admired my new rosebush - a David Austin Boscobel - pink with just a hint of peach. She's a small bush now, but valiantly producing fragrant roses. There is another new rose beside Boscobel, also a David Austin - Falstaff. He's not quite as ready to bloom, although there are buds forming. 

Into the house to admire the peonies on the dining room table. The light streams in from the corner windows in the evening, when this photo was taken. What's not visible in the photo are the piles of papers and school materials. Just a few more weeks and all that will be cleared away. 

Now it's time to get to work marking assignments and preparing the same for next week. From my window I see puffy clouds and patches of blue. If I am diligent about my work there will be time to spend an hour or so in the garden this afternoon. 

Happy weekend!

And Now It is June

Monday morning. Blue sky and puffy white clouds. The roses are beginning to bloom. This, however, is the peony's time to star. I'm always amazed at how those tightly packed fat globes open into elegant ruffles. Most of my peonies are the dark pink ones, but I planted a pale pink and a white one last year. The white bush is not producing flowers this year, but the pale pink one has a few. It seems to be later than the dark pink ones. 

I had a vase of peonies on a table. While I sat quietly reading one day I heard the softest plop and looked up to see the petals falling in great clumps. There's nothing gradual about a peony. They burst into full bloom in a day and fall in a minute. 

I've not indulged in quiet time for reading for an entire week. No, I've been much too busy playing with Miss Iris. Here she is in the dress I made for her, on her first birthday party celebration. Her actual birthday is later, but she was in town, so we celebrated. 

We are gathering together as family these days. We had a most lovely time on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The older grands ran around the garden, played with water, and blew bubbles. We grilled meat and everyone contributed to the meal. It was simply grand!

It wasn't just ONE special girl's birthday celebration. No, indeed. The almost 8 year old and the almost one year old shared the party. Aunt Katie made the cake and it was a beauty - can you see the ombre effect in the layers? The almost 8 ate her cake with much more elegance and grace than the almost 1, who has not had sugar in her diet, and found it quite pleasant. 

I had lots of Nana time over the week plus that they stayed with us. Miss Iris's parents had business to attend to and we worked around my teaching schedule for childcare. What fun we had. I introduced her to my roses, pulled marigold petals from her mouth, and she clapped with glee when the Japanese bell sang by the fig tree. The first few strawberries ripened and oh, my - she gobbled them down in a flash. 

She was very engrossed in listening to Grandpa sing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm", but looked up when I walked in with the camera. 

They left yesterday. The house is quiet. The domestic machines are humming with laundry and dishes. The high chair is back in the storage room, and I've deemed it safe to put a vase of peonies on the coffee table. There are no little hands to play with it just now. 

I prepared a lot of meals, but took no photos. Before the guests arrived I made some Orange-Thyme Shortbread, sprinkled with sea salt. It's very hard to eat just one of these sweet, savoury, and salty morsels. 

And now it is June. I'll be at school for three half days this month, supervising a classroom of 10 students or less. I'm looking forward to seeing the students face to face. Graduation is the 24th of June and we're still not certain how that is going to look. I'm learning to hold all plans very loosely. 

It's Friday - A Short Boating Excursion

 "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame (Wind in the Willows)

Last weekend, as restrictions began to ease, we launched the boat and spent a quiet and relaxing couple of nights on the water, just an hour away from home. The weather alternated between rain and cloud, cloud and rain, with a very few patches of blue sky here and there. On Friday evening, before the weather worsened, we hopped into the dinghy and toured along the shoreline. It was very peaceful until the Canada Geese decided we were coming too close and honked loudly to warn others of our proximity. 

This was our view the next morning. Still, with soft rain falling. No matter, we were cozy and dry, and enjoyed a good breakfast and cups of tea and coffee long into the morning. There was no rush to do much of anything. 

When the rain eased we stirred ourselves and took the dinghy to shore, beaching it on the sand and tying the painter to a driftwood log before setting off on a hike through the forest. 

We stopped and watched a variety of wildlife, including this group of fat seals lounging on the rocks. A pair of seal pups had enough of the inactivity. They played together like a pair of young boys, splashing and wrestling. The repeated whacks of their tails on the water echoed far. 

A pair of oyster-catchers poked along the inter-tidal zone with their long red beaks. From the boat that evening we watched seven river otters fishing for their supper. Down they went into the water, then up into the air with their catch wriggling until - gulp - down the gullet it went. Over and over the sleek otters dove and rose until, satisfied, they melted away into the dusk. 

This pair of geese appear to be having a disagreement. The one on the left was quite vocal as he/she marched off in the opposite direction. 

In 1958 Portland Island was given to Princess Margaret, our Queen's sister, to commemorate her visit to our province. She returned it in 1967 and it is now a park. But long before then First Nations peoples had a village here. In the mid-late 1800s Hawaiians settled here, planting orchards and gardens. There is little that remains, but in the abandoned orchard a pair of bright goldfinches caught my eye. 

Weathered pieces of sea glass always catch my eye and I pick them up to add to my collection here at home. 

We returned home on Sunday, with Monday a holiday here to commemorate Queen Victoria's birthday. I worked in the garden most of the day. It's starting to fill out and soon we will be enjoying more homegrown vegetables. The first strawberries are turning red and I did eat one luscious ripe juicy fruit. 

It's been another week of distance teaching. Students will have the option to return to school as of June 1, but it's unlikely that many of those in the high school will choose that option. 

We're looking forward to some family time this coming weekend, including a visit from our Vancouver people. Little Miss Iris is coming and I can hardly wait to see her. She's almost one and so much fun via Skype! Seeing her in person will be so much more fun! 

Have a great weekend, friends. 

This and That on a Wednesday in May

Outside my window the sky is filled with huge clouds, mostly billowy white, and a few more ominous dark patches here and there. After a warm weekend more seasonal temperatures, still very pleasant, rolled in and brought some welcome rain. Soft rain, soaking into the ground and refreshing all the green and growing things, like the Columbines. 

From my kitchen window I see the white and pale blue against the greens of hedge and hydrangea standing out like stars in the dusk. There are so many beautiful flowers that I find it impossible to choose a favourite. They all take the stage for a time and I admire and applaud them even as they move off to let another blossom have her day in the limelight.

I'm finding my days settling into a routine - in the morning I check to see if students have submitted any work. Teenagers are notorious for sleeping in and staying up late, and I can verify that by the time some of the assignments are handed in. It's long after I've drifted off to dreamland. Sometimes, students are barely awake for 11:00 am online sessions. 

I worry about some of them. Little engagement. Careless work. I fear that they will lose this course. I contact parents to see what can be done, and sometimes hear nothing back. Principals and counselors get involved, but some students really struggle with the lack of personal engagement. 

Throughout the week I work on assignments that will be posted on Monday morning at 8 am. We are running a mostly asynchronous schedule, so other than short online meets throughout the week (one or two per class), work is done independently. 

A few years ago these yellow poppies strayed into my garden of pinks and blues. They keep to themselves mostly, in a small bed, so I've let them settle there and a few more bloom each year. They are such cheerful folks and nod their bright heads when I pass by.

I ordered a new cookbook for myself - Patisserie at Home by Will Torrent. I'd like to practice a little more finesse in my baking. This was my first project - a version of Gateau St. Honoré - baked over the weekend. Baking is a way to relax these days, that and working in the garden. I took this to our Mother's Day gathering and didn't bring any of it home. The little caramel hats on the profiteroles were the best part according to some tasters. 

A tiny bouquet from my garden, for you. The teacup is Tranquility by Royal Albert, and reminds me of a dear high school friend who chose this pattern for her wedding. She passed away two years ago and I like to think of her when I use this teacup. 

Time to think about making dinner. Baked turkey patties, I think, with some couscous, a green salad, and zucchini sauteed with onions and garlic. 

What's happening in your world these days? 

A Friday Five in May

Outside my window the sky is streaked with a few thin clouds that will soon blow away with the strong breeze that has trees and flowers tossing their heads. The forecast is for a beautiful weekend, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s (Celsius). 

I expect that the wind will tear away the almost-ready-to-fall tulip petals. With that likelihood, I went out with my camera to capture the last of these gorgeous flowers. 

There's a glimpse of that blue sky. Is it just me or has this been an exceptionally beautiful spring? Everything seems fresher and lovelier and more vibrant. I revel in the beauty of the world. 

Last weekend, Tim and I took a drive down to Clover Point and went for a short, but brisk walk. The wind was sharp and chill. This gull faced into the wind, flapped vigorously, and went nowhere; he just managed to stay aloft. 

Our province, and particularly our Island, has passed relatively lightly through the Covid-19 crisis. I say relatively because there have been deaths, but our hospitals are mostly empty and positive cases are fewer each day. The restrictions here have not been as strong as in other places - we are encouraged to get out and walk, garden centres are open, some retail stores remained open, we are not wearing masks (unless we want to), and social distancing is mostly respected. 

We can begin to gather with our close loved ones, and are encouraged to keep our circles tight. In mid-May provincial parks will be open for day-use, and more retail stores will open. These are slow measures, and I respect the care that our provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, is taking. There will be no gatherings of over 50 people until there is a vaccine, or herd immunity has been achieved. In other words, for a long time. We will all have to adjust to a new normal. 

Rhubarb is flourishing these days, and to that end I baked a Brown Butter Rhubarb Cake. The recipe is on Jean's Delightful Repast blog, and is one I make every year. It's not too sweet, with a bit of tartness, and a lovely buttery flavour. Perfect with a cup of tea. I confess that I had a piece as my breakfast the other day. 

In the parade of flowers that is Spring, the tulips are nearing the end of the route while the lilacs are front and center. This bouquet adorns the dining room table and fills the main floor with fragrance. 

I'll leave you with one last blithe tulip at the start of this Mother's Day weekend. We are gathering with our family for the first time since March, and oh, how I am anticipating that.

A blessing for you today, prayed from my heart:

"May the day never burden. May the dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected. May your soul be calm, consoled, and renewed." 

Biking, Baking, and Sight Seeing

Last year, 2019, was a busy travel year for me. There was a three-week trip to Central Europe with Tim in the summer, and a trip to Spain with my students in early autumn. My last blog post about our summer trip was a tour of Clam Castle. Let's pick up there for a bit of escapism this morning. 

Our floating hotel of 130 passengers next stopped at Spitz, Austria. It's a delightful way to travel. I open the curtains and voila, the view has changed. After visiting the breakfast buffet (I do love the cold cuts, cheeses, and breads) Tim and I both chose to go on a bicycle tour. 

After strapping on helmets and trying out our bicycles, we followed our guide along the river path, through villages, along cobblestones (bumpty bump), and to the medieval village of Durnstein, home to a Franciscan Abbey, part of which is seen above.

What a fun day we had. Another highlight! There were many of them. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area. She pointed out the village where she lived, across the river. We cycled through terraced vineyards where grapes have been grown for centuries. 

In Durnstein we took a longer stop to explore the village. It was filled with tourists (like us), but very charming. I think we deserve some tea and cake after all that exercise, don't you? My that piece of custard cake is large. I would have been happy to share it with one or two of you. But I did manage to eat most of it on my own. Good thing there was more cycling to do.

In the castle above the town (mostly ruins), Richard the Lion-heart was once held captive. That man really traveled around. I wrote about Les Andelys, a fortress he constructed, when we were in France. 

Since we had to climb up from the river to the village, we have to descend to return to our bicycles, here through narrow, arched streets and steps. The modern touch of a garbage can bolted to the wall keeps things much cleaner than in medieval times. 

Our floating hotel cruised while we cycled, and we caught up with her in time for a late lunch. I'm always ready to try new tastes - like a cold pineapple soup that was both sweet and tart. Very delicious. 
We spent the afternoon on the boat: destination Vienna where we arrived as dusk fell. Our dock was near the international finance district, where modern architecture dominates. 
For dinner that night, my journal tells me that I ordered a pumpkin strudel with a creamy sauce that was also delicious. 

In the morning I signed up for the Vienna Insider's Tour while Tim went on a city cycling tour. My excursion began with a walk to the metro station, a metro ride to Schwedensplatz, and then a walk through the centre of town to a small cooking school - Andante. Old buildings and new mingle here in relative harmony. Vienna is vibrant, with much to observe.

The cooking class began with a glass of Prosecco. In the morning. The others thought it quite humorous that I declined, saying I couldn't drink alcohol without food. I would have been one dizzy mess. 

We learned how to shape a variety of breads - Mohnflesserl, Handsemmel, Salzstanger, and pretzels. After they baked, we enjoyed them with delicious butter, and then I did have a glass of Prosecco. We were a group of 12 and enjoyed sitting around the table chatting and snacking. 

You might remember that my three eldest "flat grandchildren" traveled along with me. They were very happy to play with the dough and were great about not flinging flour too wildly. They especially enjoyed the freshly baked bread, and were happy when the bakery packed up the rest of the baking to take back to the ship for lunch. 

Apricots and cherries. Soon that season will come around again. I'm glad we traveled last summer, for this year is looking very different. 

I hope you've enjoyed this look back with me. There's more to see and do in Vienna, and I hope to compose a post about that soon. Meanwhile, there are digital assignment to grade, and students to email/call. Outside, the pink rhododendron is in full bloom and we're expecting rain a bit later. How are things in your world today?

Five on Friday: Paying Attention

I did a quick reconnaissance of the garden this morning - there is so much growth just now - and the Mountain Cornflowers are having their heyday. I'll let them go, but they are crowding other plants, like the roses, and will have to be severely pulled back soon. They self-seed, so I know I'll see them again in a few weeks. I love them because of their feathery blue petals and that entrancing and precise webbing on the calyx. 

We often walk in the evenings, especially now with the light lingering until almost 9 pm. As we arrived home in the gloaming recently, we noticed a small greenish bird hopping in the front flower bed. I had never seen such a bird before and tried to take a few photos with my phone. The bird hopped furiously, trying to stay ahead of me (and succeeding), and finally disappeared into the lavender, but not before we saw a very orange tuft sprouting from his head, as if he were having a very bad hair day. 

I looked in my trusty bird book and identified him as an Orange-Crowned Warbler. That orange tuft ruffles up when the bird is flustered. I did a quick watercolour sketch later. The birds apparently nest on the ground and I wonder if there is a nest in the lavender. 

The first radishes. Aren't they lovely. It always amazes me that from tiny black seeds come these gorgeous red and white edibles. I've been snacking on them lately, and there are plenty more to come. Radish greens are edible, but can be strong-tasting. I'm planning to make some radish leaf pesto and see how that tastes. 

I baked bread yesterday. The angle of the photo is not by chance - there are two slices missing from the loaf in the back. Eating that first crusty slice of freshly baked bread with butter is such a treat. Tim adds a little honey to his slice. 

We followed the rainbow on last night's walk. It was ahead of us all the way, and at one point Tim noticed the other end curving over houses and trees just behind us. How beautiful the world is. Spring has never been my favourite season - too capricious for me - but this year I am delighting in it. April, in spite of the world situation, has been filled with sunny days and little rain that has made the earth sprout such amazing and colourful growth. I just can't get enough of it. 

Now the lilacs begin. Such a delicate, haunting scent, evocative of simple homes and homesteads in remote prairies or clearings where women of long ago planted a lilac bush beside the door, something pretty in a hard existence. Now the homes are abandoned, disintegrating into the ground, but often the lilac remains, a silent memory of times past. 

Other things are growing in my garden. I will need to provide support for the snap peas soon; the upright poles are in place for me to add the string. Beets and spinach finally decided to make an appearance, along with another seeding of lettuce. In the house my tomato seedlings are coming along well. The strawberries are blooming their little hearts out and we look forward to fresh sweet berries in a few weeks. 

Rain will fall over the weekend, so garden time might be spotty or not happen at all. If so, I'll sew, or read, or stitch. There are no grand plans for the weekend, and each day slips quietly by. Are you settling into this quiet life as I am? My mood varies, but I am mostly content. Is your garden delighting you? Oh dear, this is more than Five for this Friday. I lost count awhile back. I'll do better next time.

Take care, stay well. 

Celebrations, Flowers, and Quotations

"Since love grows within you,
so beauty grows.
For love is the beauty of the soul."
St. Augustine

 On Sunday afternoon we celebrated a marriage in a new way. Friends and family lined the street of small Sidney-by-the-Sea to wave and cheer as the newlyweds drove by. They stopped and walked around the traffic circle at the end of the avenue. 

These days we have to find new ways to celebrate the special moments of life. The groom thought this wedding was perfect, for he is an introvert who dreaded the speech, the large gathering, and the dance in front of so many people. Instead, a quiet dinner with family, a simple ceremony with the same, and this short appearance to many who wished them well. 

"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich
simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls, and interesting people.
Forget yourself."
Henry Miller

 I was very surprised this afternoon when the groom's mother dropped off a beautiful arrangement of flowers at our home. They were part of the wedding decor held at their home, and she wanted to thank us for attending the street gathering. So very sweet and unexpected. 

"I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life
stimulates the creative mind."
Albert Einstein

 I took a walk this afternoon. The wind sighed in the trees and blew great drifts of pink petals along the street. In my garden a bee was busy among the Mountain Cornflowers now blooming in my garden. 

"...and work at your pattern - it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that...
one stitch at a time, taken patiently."
Oliver Wendell Holmes

 My reading these days consists of familiar books, nothing very challenging. I just finished The Fairy Tale Girl and Martha's Vineyard: Isle of Dreams by Susan Branch again. Unique books in many ways and this time through I was struck by the way her creativity developed over years. It made me think of the things I long to do. Many of my dreams have come true, with persistence and hard work and time, and there are others that I hope to fulfill. 

"The essential elements of the romantic spirit are curiosity and the love of beauty."
Walter Pater

 It's blue and purple season in my garden. The first aquilegia or Columbine is blooming. She is so beautiful I can hardly tear my eyes away. I see her from my kitchen window dancing madly in the wind. 

"Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of
quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 A small bouquet of bluebells and hyacinths came indoors with me and now sits on the coffee table wafting sweet scents my way. How I love flowers. It's hard to choose a favourite, and I've stopped trying to do so. 

"The perfume of the lilacs came in little puffs on the crystal air."
L. M. Montgomery

The first lilacs are opening. It's a richness of blossom just now, with more to come. 

I'm feeling very content this sunny and windy afternoon. I made a big dent in the marking for my classes (marking online takes me more time than on paper). I'm soon heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner and bake some brownies. This evening I believe I'll start another book. What will it be? Choosing is half the fun!

I'd love to hear what you've been up to lately.