All posts by Lynette d'Arty-Cross

Loving life through photography, hiking, walking, good food, wine and travel.
nature, Photography

Calm and Sunny …

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… and although it was a bit chilly at -2C (28F) it was quite a lovely afternoon at Skaha Lake.

I saw some people playing tennis …

… while a large family group had a fire on the beach and were celebrating a birthday.

I even saw someone preparing to go for a swim; she was wearing a full wetsuit but even so, that would not have been my thing.

Most people were simply walking, enjoying the sun, enjoying their dogs, enjoying the person walking with them.

A very satisfying December afternoon.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Sunday Strolling

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Often, when sun arrives in the Okanagan Valley in December or January, it’s accompanied by cooler temperatures. At -3C (27F) it was definitely chilly compared to what we had just had the day before with 6C (43F), but having the clear weather was still nice.

There was a cloudless sky although the wind was coming out of the north and rather brisk.

These two ducks definitely weren’t bothered, though. They had found themselves a nicely protected spot where the wind wasn’t much of an issue.

I surprised this overwintering robin from his spot among a number of other robins in their home inside a dense thicket next to the trail. They’re rarely seen – usually only heard – in winter but very occasionally I’ll see one.

The last leg of my walk took me along one of the downtown’s main streets as the light began to fade and shoppers decided to start heading home. I headed home, too, where I found some hot chocolate.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Rainy Views

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We’re still getting lots rain although I understand that we’re supposed to get a bit of a temperature drop accompanied by some rain that will turn to snow. We’ll see. We get that projection a lot in winter but it regularly turns out to be wrong.

Here are some cloudy views from a recent walk.

The rain stopped for a bit and I grabbed the opportunity …

… to stay a bit dry while getting some exercise. A bonus was the slight glow from the setting sun …

… while another bonus were these seasonal lights decorating a patio near one of our favourite restaurants.

Happy Saturday.

Photography

Boxing Day 2025

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This was first posted on Boxing Day, 2024 and has since been updated. The sentiment remains the same, however.

In Canada, today is Boxing Day. It has nothing to do with sport but rather with the idea of “boxing up” the leftovers from Christmas feasting (including unwanted presents) to give to those less fortunate. I was raised with the notion that Boxing Day is for providing volunteer service (I was allowed to choose – and I always chose the SPCA – but I wasn’t allowed to skip it); however, I think that that philosophy has long since disappeared.

Perhaps we ought to try to bring back Boxing Day volunteerism or other forms of giving. I am tired of the Boxing Day sales that have now morphed into “boxing week” sales – whatever those are, I’m sure you’re really not going to save anything – that are bringing into disrepute a day that used to be about selflessness and giving.

Considering the narcissistic spending focus at this time of year – something that is industriously promoted by all businesses – a little required volunteerism might go a long way to helping a great many people, including those that do the volunteering.

Food for thought.

nature, Photography

December Retrospective

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To say that we have had a lot of rain this month would be something of an understatement, but at least we didn’t get the flooding that much of the coast unfortunately experienced. And aside from that, it also had its moments.

A sunny, early December Skaha Lake.
A napping duck.
Leaf imprints.
The rain relented for a bit.
You don’t need a rubber duckie for this bath tub!
Pine cones.
I know I recently posted this picture but it’s lovely … and rainless!
We didn’t get a lot of sun but enjoyed what came our way.
Season’s Greetings.

Happy Wednesday.

Reblogs

Reblog: Winter Solstice 2025

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On 21 December, all over West Penwith, people will be marking midwinter by walking to stone circles and holy wells, to hill forts and ancient beacons…

Winter Solstice 2025

In keeping with today’s theme, here’s a gorgeous sunset photo from Jude at Cornwall in Colours. To see more of Jude’s beautiful photography, please click the link above.