Category Archives: nature

nature, Photography

Magnolia Beauty

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Some of the magnolia trees have started to bloom.

They are a startling study in contrasts with their large, grandiose and beautifully fragrant blooms against a background of bare greyish-brown branches, gloriously emerging from their fuzzy capsules like petalled butterflies.

I could smell the scent from this small tree about half a block away and was so delighted to see it.

Magnolia blooms only last about a week so they have to be enjoyed in the fleeting moment.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Early Rhododendrons

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The first little rhodie bud that I saw a few days back has now opened!

The bush with this single bloom doesn’t seem to be ready yet to produce those beautiful rhodie clusters but the bush next to this one is going to pop in the next few days.

The header picture shows flowers from 2024 but soon there will be some present spring lovelies for our viewing enjoyment.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

A Wonderful Time of Year

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M and I recently spent the day checking out the Okanagan Valley’s spring progress.

We had beautiful weather; windless, sunny and 16 C (61 F).

We sat outside at Skaha Lake – it’s the smaller of the two lakes between which sits our city – to enjoy lunch at a favourite restaurant. It was warm enough that I had to move into the shade! The sun had a bit of power happening, As we ate, we saw a bald eagle swoop down and grab some lunch from the lake, too.

The weeping willows are all showing the light green of new growth.

We headed out into farming country where the wine grape vines are greening, the orchards are blooming and the farmers are very, very busy.

It was lovely not only to see spring but to feel it, too. 🍃

nature, Photography

Before the Rain

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We recently have had a lot of rain, very steady and soaking, which is an excellent thing, especially against summer forest fires. I’ve noted that I can usually tell when an intensely rainy spring period is about to arrive.

There’s often a halo around the sun – the arrival of the first gauzy clouds – and the atmosphere is quiet but expectant.

In spite of the impending poor weather, this lead-in is beautiful. The sky and sun are screened by the first delicate wisps of cloud and the air becomes very soft with water vapour.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Snack Time

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Someone had brought the marmot colony a load of carrots and cucumber; very healthy snacks for them.

Everyone was fully enjoying this yummy treat except for the sentry marmot. He whistled repeatedly – their warning call is a very high-pitched, sharp alert – as a small group of people, although standing respectfully back, had gathered to watch them eat.

But this little guy was working really hard, too hard! He sounded the warning, jumped down to have a bite of cucumber, then jumped back up again and repeated. I walked away as I felt that they needed to be left alone to enjoy their yummies in peace.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

A Sunny Day

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In a reversal of the very unpredictable March weather we’ve been having, we recently had a sunny spring day.

Since it was a windless 16 C (61 F), sitting in the sun was wonderfully relaxing, somnolent, even …

… as I began to feel drowsy while enjoying a few minutes at my favourite bench.

And although there is still snow in the mountains, we had lovely sun and soft air here in the valley.

Happy Sunday.