Tag Archives: nature

November 28’s Friday Fleurday

Nov 28, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 40 Comments

Last Friday Fleurday I posted flower pictures from March, April and May; today I’m posting pictures from June, July and August. And I’m really happy about that, because right now we have cloud down to the valley floor and a lot of rain! In the mountains it came down as snow, so if you’re planning a ski trip, I know where there’s plenty of the fresh stuff! But on to more colourful things …

… like a lovely June iris …

… a very fresh daisy …

… and some lovely variegated hydrangeas.

July brought pond lilies …

… impatiens …

… many more hydrangeas …

… and lots of pond lilies, too.

While in August we had anemones …

… sunflowers …

… black-eyed susans …

… penny macs …

… and last but not least, tea roses.

I really enjoyed my little trip through the summer archive! After going for a very soggy and grey ramble today, it was lovely knowing that all these lovelies will be back.

Happy Friday, happy weekend.

nature, Photography

Snowy Lake Louise

Nov 27, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 57 Comments

This very famous lake in Banff National Park also gives its name to the historic Chateau Lake Louise hotel as well as to the hamlet where many park and hotel employees live.

Lake Louise from the air showing the historic Chateau Lake Louise at the right of the picture.

Known for its milky green colour – caused by glacial run-off – and nearby hiking trails, Lake Louise is an example of iconic, must-see Canadiana.

And, to all our American family and friends, Happy Thanksgiving Day. However you choose to spend it, I hope you enjoy it.

nature, Photography

Lovely Black Maple Trees

Nov 26, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 37 Comments

One of the maple species that tends to be overshadowed by the red and sugar maples is the black maple (acer nigrum). So-called because of its dark brown trunk, the black maple is a lovely shade tree.

They have a beautiful shape and in autumn, their large green leaves turn a combination of orange, red and yellow.

They are related to the sugar maples to the extent that some botanists consider them to be a subspecies and they can also be tapped for syrup.

They can grow up to 34 metres (112 ft) and will develop a dense crown which encourages people on a hot day to sit underneath with a cool drink.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Snow on the Mountains

Nov 25, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 32 Comments

First we had this …

… which gave us a very early start to evening darkness. With this sort of weather, it was good to be at home with a hot chocolate!

These very dark clouds dropped a terrific amount of rain which in the mountains fell as snow.

But then we got some of this …

… which lead to being able to see the snow on the mountains. And that’s exactly where it belongs. The skiers are happy but we’re equally happy with 10C (50F) and snowless environs!

Happy Tuesday.

Reblogs

Reblog: 22 Degree Solar Halo

Nov 25, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 9 Comments

We were out at Finn River Farm (in Chimacum, Washington, about 10 miles south of Port Townsend) getting some dinner and were waiting outside. It was …
22 Degree Solar Halo

A stunning solar halo photo from Allan at Allan J Jones Photo Blog. Please click the link above to see more of Allan’s beautiful nature photography.

nature, Photography

November Prospects

Nov 24, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 32 Comments

We’re very definitely entering our grey, rainy season.

Sunny days are becoming rare; it’s more likely that we will only see glimpses or bits of pink or orange.

The bright and beautiful autumn colours helped alleviate the grey for a while, but there aren’t many of them left now.

They’re on footpaths and sidewalks, in parking lots and on benches, but soon they will be gone with the wind.

The ever hopeful ducks always gently approach looking for a little handout, and it’s always a treat to see them, whether it’s grey outside or not.

I used to give them quinoa which is a healthy choice for them, but the city has really made it very clear that they’re not to be fed unless there’s an unusual cold snap, and in that case they will do it. After all, they are sort of city pets.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Glow

Nov 23, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 33 Comments

We recently had a very sunny day that started becoming overcast by mid-afternoon with clouds swiftly moving in from the south.

I was fortunate enough to leave for my evening ramble in time to see the sunset before it became completely obscured.

I very much enjoyed the counterpoint between grey and orange as the clouds began to envelop the evening sky.

Now that we’re heading into December the sunsets don’t last long – or may be shrouded by gloom – so I took the time to savour this one before it disappeared and the clouds had their way with the skyscape.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Radiance …

Nov 22, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 21 Comments

… comes in many forms:

from a barberry shrub that’s still retaining its leaves …

… to one that’s without …

… or to a pink-hued late autumn sky.

The radiance of finality is both bitter and sweet; nature’s reclamation of what was never ours in the first place.

nature, Photography

November 21’s Friday Fleurday

Nov 21, 2025 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 56 Comments

Well, it’s that time of year when outdoor flowers have become very hard to find. So as a seasonal goodbye, I’m going to do a couple of retrospective posts showcasing some of my favourites from this year’s bloomers.

First up is March, April and May. These are wonderful months for many reasons but not least of which is that the blooms are everywhere and quickly bring us out of our winter blahs.

Lovely March daffodils, always a classic …

… were closely followed by another classic, April tulips, and so many, many other beautiful bloomers.

Cherry blossoms …

… plums …

… and apples … with us and then gone again so quickly.

Magnolias thriving in the April sun …

… a flower feast.

And then there was the heady scent of the lilacs, an old-fashioned flower that’s never really gone out of style.

Early May brought the rhododendrons …

… and dogwoods, British Columbia’s provincial flower.

Irises …

… and peonies …

… and hydrangeas completed a smorgasbord of gorgeous sights and scents.

And, no snow here, just lots of petals!

Although the southern hemisphere is heading into spring right now, for us northerners, I think that a little glimpse of what will be arriving again in March is a good thing.

Happy Friday.