Tag Archives: nature

A Wonderful Time of Year

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. 🍃

Before the Rain

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.

Snack Time

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.

A Sunny Day

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.

Moody Overcast

I encountered this glowering, very moody overcast while out for my daily walk.

When I left home, there was a white overcast but nothing remarkable; 45 minutes later these blue-grey, menacing clouds had filled the sky. I barely made it home before the skies totally opened up and buckets of rain came pouring straight down; there was no wind. From inside, it was beautiful to see, but I’m glad I avoided that particular soaking!

Happy Saturday.

Stopping to Smell the Coffee

This good old saying always reminds us to pay attention, to notice and appreciate what’s around us and to slow down a bit so that we can. So here’s what I saw recently while slowing down to just … notice and appreciate.

Community garden flowers.
Napping mallards.
Blue sky buds.
A great view …
… and a coffee. 😊

Happy weekend and don’t forget to stop and smell the coffee (or tea).