Tag Archives: happiness

nature, Photography

Lake Pursuits

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With the arrival of May’s lovely sunny days and with our temperatures hovering around 25 C (77 F), attention is turning to more summerish pursuits. Beaches are becoming populated, boats have come out of storage or dry dock and even though the water is still cold – the rivers and creeks running into Okanagan Lake are swollen with snow melt from the mountains – swimmers are beginning to take the plunge.

This diving platform was empty but it won’t be long before it will be a popular spot.
Prettily anchored sail boats waiting for a run – maybe on the weekend?
But if you’re not a boater or swimmer or beach worshipper, it’s sometimes nice to just sit on a pier and enjoy the view.

Although we no longer recognise the ancient celebration of May Day with May poles, flower garlands, religious devotionals or even at all, perhaps it’s time we brought it back. The arrival of May – what a lovely thing to commemorate and honour!

Happy May 1.

nature, Photography

Fresh Leaves

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I love all the new leaves that are emerging or about to emerge at this time of year.

A balsam poplar leans over a swollen Penticton Creek with its swiftly moving spring run-off.
The new leaves of this lovely Japanese lace leaf maple will turn green as they mature but in autumn will become a glowing fire engine red.
A European plum – there are lots of plum trees about, both ornamental and fruiting. I think this one is an ornamental.
The shiny new leaves of the Norway maple are a lovely russet but will also turn green as they mature.

So much healthy growth to appreciate and admire. Isn’t spring grand?

nature, Photography

Sights from a Ramble

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During a recent ramble I saw that the new spring growth is almost glowing with freshness and health.

The delicate fan-shaped leaves of a ginkgo biloba tree are opening.
A late blooming magnolia sports its rich red flowers.
A larch tree with its lovely new frond-like green needles.
A flowering plum surrounded by lots of new growth all around.
Pretty periwinkles with their fresh leaves.

With a sunny day and gentle warmth, there’s so much to enjoy at this time of year. Happy Spring Sunday.

nature, Photography

Northern Flicker

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There are lots of birds around now and they are all very busy. I spotted this northern flicker who had found something buggy to eat between the pavers on a footpath.

I think she has some hatchlings – she doesn’t have the distinctive red flashes which indicate a male flicker – because I could hear little cheepings from above my head.

I tried to spot the nest but no luck; it was definitely nearby though because I saw the male flying back and forth between the tree and another area of eating interest a bit further away.

Those specialised beaks are sharp, very pointed and an especially good tool for digging yummy bugs out of trees and from between pavers, too. It’s great that this flicker nest is so well hidden; I hope this little family does well.

Happy Wednesday.