Tag Archives: happiness

nature, Photography

Coastal Mountains

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We are almost 1100 km (684 miles) north of our home in Penticton and on our way to Watson Lake, Yukon, to see a good friend of ours.

Watson Lake is pretty much due north of our stop for the night in Smithers, B.C. which is marked on the map by the red pin. We have about another 890 km (553 miles) to go.

We have been passing the spectacular Coastal Mountain range and marvelling at their impressive beauty; we will see more of them as we travel further north.

Here, spring is about a month behind the development that has already occurred in Penticton; all the deciduous trees are wearing very new, pea green leaves and the mountains are still liberally topped with snow.

That’s it for now; more to follow later. Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Evening Ramble

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We had a heavy, late afternoon shower followed by clearing skies and the fresh scent of spring grass, leaves and flowers.

As everything began to dry off, the sun started to set behind the mountains.

Meanwhile, I found some freshly washed western azaleas to admire …

… blooming profusely with their relatives …

… the rhododendrons.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Oh Deer!

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I saw this deer in our neighbour’s yard across the lane from our deck. Deer often visit his yard; there’s nothing much to eat there but they see it as a safe place for a nap.

Usually they arrive in twos, threes or fours, but this one was alone.

When she heard me talking to my husband she waggled those amazing ears and turned to look at me. She was completely unconcerned, just wondering why I needed to be noisy while she was trying to rest.

Happy Mother’s Day Sunday. 💛

nature, Photography

Bright White Rhododendrons

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The white rhododendrons in one of the city gardens have started to bloom.

Rhododendrons come in many lovely shades but I don’t often see the white ones.

To me, they feel very springy indeed. Fresh and light and tempered by the merest hint of very pale pink, they seem to epitomise the new growing season.

They almost glow in the sun.

Happy rhododendron Saturday.

nature, Photography

Triplets

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I have often seen these three marmots together, surveying their surroundings, snacking on vegetables or just sunning themselves.

They likely are juveniles from last year and probably siblings.

This picture from last June shows the same three – I think – when they were only a couple of months old.

They do like to be together and are very protective of each other, too, although that’s a natural trait of the marmots.

It was a lovely spring day for them to be outside enjoying the weather and surveying their domain.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Bright Bloomers!

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Here’s a little stroll through some of our bloomers from the last three weeks. 🌸

Gorgeous April violets with their heavenly scent.
An elegant mid-April tulip.
Lovely lilacs – in the area where I found these there are several very established bushes; their perfume was permeating the air.
A May delight: alyssum “basket of gold.”
May’s pretty in pink phlox.
April pansies – some of the prettiest faces ever.

I hope you are enjoying your bloomers, too! 🌼

nature, Photography

Saturday Scenes

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A marmot couple …

… and a rhododendron …

… together with some snowflakes … Wait, snowflakes?

Actually, no. These are petals from two rows of crabapple trees!

And finally, a restful view.

We have 28 C (82 F) so it feels more like early summer than spring, but we’re expecting rain, a good thing after our string of warm days. Regardless of the weather, I hope that wherever you are, your day is going well.

nature, Photography

It’s Friday Fleurday!

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Two weeks ago I found a late blooming magnolia tree that was in a protected but north-facing location. As a result it was only getting early-morning sun and this was slowing its blooming period.

This tree is on one of my favoured daily ramble routes so I was delighted to keep a watch on its progress.

Covered in flamboyant, lush and beautiful blooms, it’s a real showstopper.

Each bloom is a delicate pink that fades to a soft white at the tips.

Magnolias are ancient; they are a part of the fossil record from 20 million years ago and are native to Asia.

It’s thought that they evolved to be pollinated by beetles as they existed before the evolution of bees.

Whatever their background, they are a stunning addition to the pantheon of spring blooms.

Happy Friday.