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!!

Cowichan Summer

Summer in "The Warmland" is full of opportunity. Last week I went to a U-Pick strawberry farm, and loaded up on local berries.

This past weekend was the Visions Art Tour and we went from the north to the south, visiting several unique studios.

In the midst of all this touring, and appreciating Art, one gets hungry! We ended up at a marina for lunch. The food was great, and the view, breathtaking. We took the opportunity to walk the dock where the float homes were. The variety and creativity people showed in their places was inspirational. I think I have to go home and paint something.

And look! This last one is For Sale!! 





Gratitude

Lately I've been side tracked by an old book, The Artists Way  It's about stuck creativity and writing every morning, and taking your creativity seriously, in a 'kid having fun' kinda way.
And so, even though I'm grateful for a lot of things in my life, and never really take anything for granted, sometimes it's just good to say Thank You, out loud, to the Universe.
So .......... Thank You for my family, ... and my neighbours.
                         Bees that are pollinating the raspberries,
                           and swallows that sing as they build nests in our hedge.

                      ...... and garden centres that have sales this time of year, ...
                                           I'm truly helpless!

Isn't she beautiful? A "Snowflake" hydrangea.

We figure we can't afford to move, the gardens must be worth a fortune:)

Happy Birthday Canada, July 1 isn't that far off, and we'll be busy, and having fun. As well as our usual Market on Saturday, there's a local art tour on Sunday, and a neighbour having an art show just up the street. Busy and fun.





Lake Days 2011



Lake Cowichan 'Lake Days' is over for another year. The cool rainy weather didn't seem to dampen any ones spirits, and there was lots to do and see all day long.

Early morning set-up.

This is how we look 'on the road'.



Here are a few rainy day parade pics.



A relaxing week ahead, so I'll be in the garden!

Busy Busy!!

Seems like time really does fly when you're having fun.
Last weekend a girlfriend went to the Farm Chicks Show in Spokane, and I went right along with her through the magic of telephone and photos. Check out Serenas' blog http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/ ,  Have a look at June 8th, and click on the other blogs for your own tour. Better pour yourself a cuppa tea first!
We're getting ready for Lake Days. I'm baking extra, and harvesting every little thing that's ready in the garden to take to Market on Saturday.

Giant rhubarb

My Spring garden

How a pie begins

I'll try a few pics here, but lately I haven't been able to post, ( I have tried and failed a couple of times lately) so here goes. If all goes well, I'll be back early next week after the market.

Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market

I've been busy! No complaints, and to make up for no posts recently, this one will include a lot of pictures.

This Spring has been fairly cool and wet, and the rhubarb is loving it! This

pic was taken early on, and now you can't see the soil for the leaves. 

The Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market has opened for its' fifth year, and we are there every Saturday. Here's some pics of my prep.

Our booth is made from lumber re-cycled from my neighbours' deck, plus lots of interesting rustic stuff.

We have a lot of fun, and so do our customers.

 As some of our advertising says "Get outta town" and come to the Honeymoon Bay outdoor Market. There's a first class 'Coffee Mill' where you can get lunch or a snack, plus a lot of vendors have food available.

There were Spring dresses, and seedlings for sale last week.

Lots of mingling with neighbours and friends,

 and always a treasure to take home.

What markets are you visiting this Spring?