Our weather lately has been a mix of sun, rain and wind; short, intense rain storms have been quickly followed by sun and then more rain. This has left Okanagan Lake looking both settled and uneasy.
Gathering clouds in the distance …
… as the previous storm’s clouds dissipate.
Happy Wednesday.
Yesterday I posted about the bridge over Penticton creek but today I’m moving about 400 metres (1300 ft) further along to where the creek empties into Okanagan Lake.
By this time of year, this creek is usually moving very slowly, desultorily, somnolently with only a little water trickling through the centre of this channel.
This year, however, it’s a regular river with lots of water and very happy trees and ducks. After years of drought, this verdant growth is wonderful to see!
And here it joins the lake, adding to the lake’s water level and giving everyone on the bridge another lovely view.
Happy Tuesday.
Beautiful garden photos from Jenn at Still Bitchy after 60. Please click the link above to see more of her lovely garden pictures.
We live near Penticton Creek and one of its pretty foot bridges.
Usually, this creek is now down to a little dribble, but because we had a wet autumn followed by a wet winter and then a wet spring, this creek has been very full and running swiftly.
And all that very welcome rain – we had been experiencing a three-year drought – has turned the little creek into something of a river, especially where it widens out to empty into Okanagan Lake.
I often stop to admire it, to listen to its gurgling and to enjoy all the trees growing near it …
… trees that are very verdant this year because they have had lots of water …
… and to also enjoy the flowers that occasionally grow there, too.
Happy Monday.
Here in the Okanagan Valley we are geographically at the northern most tip of the Sonoran Desert. As a result, parts of this region can be classified as semi-arid desert. This is one of the reasons why wine grapes do so well here!
We also see many desert plants that might seem unusual for this area but really aren’t; one of these is the yucca. The indigenous peoples of this area consumed yucca plants for their nutritional qualities but also knew about its ability to ease arthritis and often used it for that purpose.
Recent studies have found that it also boosts the immune system and protects against sun damage and diabetes. It’s a rather odd-looking plant with its spindly stalks and huge, bell-shaped flowers, but it contains many health-supporting qualities.
Happy Sunday.
With so many little ones to look after, mama ducks sometimes have a lot to do!
This mama had to go back to encourage the two stragglers to come along after their four siblings zoomed ahead. You can see them in the upper right corner of the above photo.
In very low and gentle tones, she murmured to them and then made sure that they joined their sisters and brothers who had gone ahead.
This duck mama has done an excellent job of keeping her little brood safe. I see them almost daily as she shepherds them around a small pond, keeping them quite protected from predators.
Happy Saturday.
This time of year is so beautiful that choosing some flowers for fleurday can be rather difficult, but nevertheless, and since today marks the solstice, some choices had to be made. So in the solstice spirit, here’s today’s bouquet!
A very fresh daisy …
… a lovely matador rose …
… pretty pansies …
… and last but not least, some very delightful and very fragrant wild orange.
Happy Friday.
In anticipation of the warmer months and because so much of the country is presently – and quite literally – struggling through massive snow banks and/or mentally just trying to fight off the icicles and snow flakes, here are a few summer pictures.
After taking a look through my collection of flower pictures, I definitely feel a lot brighter!
Happy Wednesday.
Since it’s winter and a lot of us are experiencing rather grey and/or white conditions, it’s time for a bit of colour and brightness. Here are a few reminders of what’s coming our way.
Have a good day.
We have some chunky rain – rain with snow crystals – falling at the moment, so I think it’s time for something a little brighter than what I’m seeing outside right now.
There definitely will be sights like these again, thankfully.
I enjoyed this little colourful break. I hope you did, too, especially if you’re in the rain or snow zone.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 