Just Breathe

This was our view on a recent camping trip to Port Renfrew, located on the West coast of Vancouver Island.

Funny how I don't think there's much stress being retired in Honeymoon Bay, and yet, just a couple of days 'away', I felt rejuvenated. As my Mother used to say "A change is as good as a rest." and this was both.

Yard Renovations

The side yard, which until a couple of years ago, was a no-mans'-land waste of space, is looking pretty spiffy this week.  "We" put in raised beds along the south side of the house, and a fire-pit. The vintage trailer is along the fence line and has a small patio where we have a collection of old Motel chairs, that I recently painted happy colours. I also painted a sunflower on the tabletop.

The uneven, disaster of a lawn couldn't be saved, so I put down fabric and graveled it, and Ken put in a gate and stairs from the covered porch.

What kind of projects are on the go with you?

Puppy Love

New puppy at our house!

Cali's a one year old Labradoodle, ... heavy on the Doodle. At about 30 pounds, we don't expect her to get much bigger, as she's a pretty good "lap-dog" at this size. She comes from a family in Nanaimo, and as situations changed, a new home was needed. We feel lucky to have her as part of our family now.

Lucky too, that the dog park is just across the way, and folks take their dogs daily at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a good run and socializing. (both the people and the dogs!) 

We've always used resources at the Library, and guess what? They have Cesar the "Dog Whisperer" books and tapes. We've only had her for three days, and I suppose bad habits or patterns could already be apparent, but so far, so good. I have to learn to be the Alpha "Mom" and all things take time. She sleeps well (on our bed, as we're big suckers) and I'm learning to walk her on a leash. The plan for next month is to take Cali camping with us to the ocean. 

Garden Pics

For whatever reason, I've been having a difficult time publishing posts lately. Perhaps my computer has 'something' going on, or perhaps it's just 'operator error'! Let's try again!

This is a peek at Damali Lavender Farm . Lots going on there, and a real treat to be there, and walk the Labyrinth.

 I'm becoming more and more interested in Labyrinths, their history and uses. I'm studying, just to be better informed, of course, but also to be able to facilitate walks, here in Honeymoon Bay. Years ago when the Retreat was asking for community input, I requested a Labyrinth, and they built one, so I need to go and make use of it.

This is how my side garden looks today. I can hardly believe my good fortune at how lush this double blue clematis is. Fish fertilizer, early on when it was setting buds is the only thing I can think of. Lucky me!
Tea time, so I'm going to take a 'cuppa' out to the garden.

Camping Trip

We recently went on the first camping trip of the season. I'm feeling that the 'summer' is getting away from us, with its' late start and not many sunny days in a row. However, I'm determined to make the best of it, so off we went to San Juan River Bridge campsite.

We walked down along the river, and at the edge I spotted a bunch of black stuff. ... As we got closer the black stuff revealed itself to be tadpoles!

What happens to frogs after they lay eggs? The campsite was really quiet at night, but I bet it will be full of froggies singing in about a month or so!

Point No Point Honeymoon

Ken & I celebrated our Tenth wedding anniversary by having a second honeymoon at Point No Point Resort on the West coast of Vancouver Island.

A perfect, not so little cabin in the woods, at the edge of the Pacific. We slept to the sounds of ocean waves, and woke to foghorns and the smell of salt air. We spent evenings on our private deck, or inside curled up by the fire. No phones or computers, just the two of us enjoying some wine, and each other.

Although we did cook in the cabin, we went to the restaurant for our anniversary dinner, and again for lunch after we checked out. The food was so flavourful, I've been inspired to look through cookbooks and up my game a bit.

There are trails on the property that we walked every day. I've gotta say, it's a magical place.

 

I seem to be gushing about this place, and truly, for me, it was the perfect second honeymoon. Big love.

Funky Stuff

This past weekend found us at Cowichan Bays' Art Walk. What a great collection of artists and crafters, and a perfect weekend to get out and enjoy local talent. I spoke to Jennifer Lawson, a lovely woman and fine artist. Her 'specialty' is House Portraits, and charming pastoral scenes. I then ran into Julie King. We worked together and lived in Shawnigan Lake years ago. Good to see her and her art again.

Cowichan Bay is North Americas' first Citta Slow community. Their website is worth a look. Here is a glimpse of the Artisan Bakery. There is also a local cheese maker, and a homemade ice cream shop.

A community on a Bay has to have a marina, and this one is no exception. Funky floathomes included! And for sale signs on some of them ...

After a day of holidaying in our own backyard, we took the slow road home. Somehow it just seemed wrong to travel at 100 clicks on the highway after visiting 'the slow city'. On the way I spotted this interesting roadside stand.

  

Along with farm fresh veggies, there was authentic enamelware, and painted wooden boxes. And then there was the sign. You may not be able to make it out, but the last entry reads " Fresh Organically grown food. NO FUNKY STUFF!!"



I love it!!