Greetings from these bright cheerful faces! Happy Friday, happy weekend. 🙂
Pretty Faces
Category Archives: nature
Lovely Okanagan
The Okanagan city of Penticton was recently threatened by a forest fire. There were evacuations and many people were on alert.
Through the unceasing efforts of firefighters and pilots, the fire was doused with nearby lake water and is now under control. The alert has ended and everyone is safe.
I wish a quick end to the fires in California and safety to everyone in its vicinity.
Monday Marvellous: Red Rosie
I found this late blooming rose, along with a couple of others, snugged against a new house build on a lot where there had been an older home.
It’s nice that the plants were kept.
Happy Monday, happy week. 🙂
Oregon Grape-Holly
These interesting-looking bushes can be found everywhere throughout the Okanagan Valley.
Known as Oregon Grape-Holly, or just Oregon Grape (mahonia aquafolium), they are not related to either grapes or holly.
Native to North America, they extend along the western coast from Mexico all the way to Alaska. They are a great fit for the Okanagan valley as they are very drought resistant and the leaves will remain green very late into the year.
Oregon Grape-Holly explodes in pretty yellow flowers very early in spring, and is a welcome harbinger.
The purple grape-like berries are edible and can be turned into jelly or wine and the holly-like leaves are often used in wreathes. Birds love the berries.
Greetings from the versatile Grape-Holly of the Okanagan Valley, and happy weekend. 🙂
August 19’s Wordless Wednesday (Almost)
Trees …
… and sky.
Happy mid-week. 🙂
August 17’s Monday Marvellous
On a recent walk, I enjoyed a stop at this wonderful waterfall.
There is a very serious drop-off, so this is as close as I was able to get. Quite impressive, though.
After its long drop, the river continues its journey north. That’s life.
Have a good week. 🙂
The Japes of Graft
As Monty Python used to say, “And now for something completely different … “
Firstly, my apologies to John Steinbeck, but I really couldn’t help myself.
Secondly, this title (and post) is in honour of Brian Lageose, who in particular does a terrific job of twisting well-known tales into Gumby dolls, and who in general is a terrifically funny writer. You can visit his site at https://brianlageose.blog/ Please do and take a stroll through his many wonderful posts. 🙂
So, without further ado, a warped excerpt from the fictional “The Japes of Graft:”
“In the cold half-morning light, Rod stumbled across the dusty street, chasing a ten dollar bill that rustled and shimmied through the grime, a snake-like, reptilian escapee. Somewhere off to his left, a boy named Sue was snoring loudly and muttering about eyelash curlers. Rod stopped his chasing and listened intently, his heart pounding and jumping at the unexpected exercise. Would Sue awaken and steal his ten?”
Will Rod overcome his tendency to graft?
Will Sue awaken in time to enjoy her jape?
Will Rod realise that the ten is tied to string before it’s too late?
Will Rod and Sue become partners and keep the ten?
Personally, I think this book is about politicians. 😉
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to add a line or two to “The Japes of Graft” that honours Brian’s sense of humour and maybe twangs a funny bone or two.
I hope you choose to participate. 🙂
Lake Walks
I took a lovely walk along this arm of Great Slave Lake.
There is some outflow into it, but it really is a sort of minor fjord.
It was a pretty day, but Great Slave Lake is large enough to create its own weather, a fact that came home to roost today with a deluge that lasted more than an hour. Unfortunately, there was no walking.
Happy mid-week greetings from Canada’s (now) sunny north. 😎
A Great Big Lake
More views of one of the world’s largest lakes …
… with old logs that are slowly disintegrating. Off to the right, out of the camera view, is a lovely sand beach; many people were picnicking or sunbathing. The day was a perfect temperature with enough wind to give the lake a little wave action.
Right now I am in quarantine, but I am allowed to go outside for walks as long as I am distancing. I think I might spend a lot of my walking time along this lakefront!
Have a good week; stay safe and well. 🙂
And a special shout-out to Kenny: some sunny Great Slave Lake photos for you. 🙂
A Lingering Lake View
This morning I am leaving the south and heading back to …
… the north. Because of my work requirements and the safety precautions around covid, I’m not sure when I’ll be back.
Due to the travel, my WP visits may be sporadic for the next couple of days, but in the meantime, have a good weekend and enjoy this lingering summer view. 🙂
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 