Tag Archives: countryside

Commentary, Photography

Boxing Day 2024

32 Comments

I first posted the following in 2022. I have updated the photos and some of the text, but otherwise, the sentiment remains the same.

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. Over the centuries, it has also largely diverged from its U.K. antecedents. 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 this 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.

Happy Boxing Day.

nature, Photography

Are They Monochromatic?

31 Comments

We recently had a very wet snowfall that lasted only a couple of hours before melting. During this snowfall, though, the overcast that settled into the valley was extremely thick and low to the ground.

Okanagan Lake

We were seemingly enveloped in grey. But then again, I have a question for you: has the above photo (and those that follow) been photoshopped to appear monochromatic or is it a “colour” picture of a monochromatic environment?

Penticton Creek
Another wintery lake view.
A group of Canada geese near a deteriorating old dock in the lake.

So, what do you think? Have I been playing with Photoshop to produce these monochromatic photos or was Penticton’s environment just rather grey?

The answer will be revealed in the comments.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Cascade Mountains

34 Comments

We are back home now after a lovely mini-break holiday in Victoria. On the way home we drove through the Cascade Mountains which encompass an incredibly large area from Kamloops in British Columbia all the way down the Pacific coast to northern California.

In Canada, there are a number of subranges of the Cascades, including those on the west side of our home in the Okanagan Valley, the Okanagan Range.

Although some snow had fallen, the trees and shrubs were covered in a layer of frost caused by the cloud and mist which treated us to some very beautiful seasonal scenes.

We arrived home to 5C (41F) and were happy to be back after our little break.

nature, Photography

Richmond

35 Comments

On our way back home from Victoria, we stopped in Richmond which is just south of Vancouver. M grew up there and we took a little tour around to his old teenage haunts.

The seafront has an eclectic mix of fishing vessels, sail boats, restaurants, coffee shops and townhomes.

After the wind storm that walloped Victoria and Vancouver had died off, the weather was gorgeous with a flat ocean calm and clear, sunny skies.

The weather was so good, in fact, that I spotted someone paddling an ocean kayak (the small red vessel toward the mid-right of the photo).

Sunny December days are a gift and we certainly enjoyed this one, especially after the weekend’s storm.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Sunny Mountaintops

22 Comments

For this time of year, we had a rare, beautifully sunny day and later on, the snowy mountaintops were lit by the afternoon sun.

We also had windless conditions with a high of 4C (39F) so it really was lovely. A crisp December day without being too crisp!

Naturally, a sunny day came with a lovely sunset which was much appreciated by all of us damp people!

Happy Tuesday.