#Ready for Spring – Wordless Wednesday

Valentine’s Day tulips enjoying a sunbath.
Snowdrops in early March…..a promising sign.
But then it snowed…..covering up the crocus tips.
And then it snowed some more – 3 snow storms and 3 ice storms in March. I’m more than ready for spring. The only good thing about this time of year is that it melts quickly, allowing for a walk in the park.
These seagulls are tired of freezing their tails off. Some winters the bay freezes over deep enough to allow ice fishing, but this year it was just thin sheets of shifting ice.
The resident ducks foraging for food….there’s a shortage of french fries this time of year.
It makes you want to fly south….. (action shot taken with old camera, it’s been too cold to take the new camera out when I’m still trying to figure out the settings)
….or stay inside and bake bread…(my new favorite find – good with chili or soup)
….and dream of summer days again. (The Luncheon of the Boating Party is one of my favorite paintings, but I don’t know about this puzzle, the pieces are so tiny….)

Signs of the Holiday Season – 2022

I was so late decorating this year that I bought my outdoor decor instead of doing my own. By then it was too cold to hack branches off my mother’s pine tree and with a $40 urn on sale for $15 who could resist? Plus the plaid ribbons were so cheerful!
$30 hanging baskets were $11
and door wreaths were $5. The matching plaid ribbons from the dollar store were $1 – I do love a bargain.
I have a neighbour who is very talented at bow-making and can be bribed with cookies.
The partridge was finally hung in the pear tree where he can twirl around in the wind.
I was gifted a chocolate truffle Advent calendar the first of December. I’ve never had an Advent calendar before and have to admit it’s a nice idea, portion control and so many sleeps until Christmas and all that, but I have no idea what it has to do with Advent? Nevertheless, I’m thinking of buying a cosmetic one from Marcelle my favorite skin care line, in the Boxing Day sales as what better way to sample new products, and I saw a tea one in the grocery store for a tea lover. (yes, this is how the mad men merchandisers get you.)

The season started with the Swiss Chalet Festive Special which is basically the same as their regular meal except for the dollop of cranberry sauce, the scoop of stuffing and the box of five free Lindt chocolates which you pay for with the increased price. Inflation inflation….
and ended with the big turkey dinner and all the fixin’s…..
which encored as turkey stew (today) and turkey pie (tomorrow) – that turkey was the gift that kept on giving.
Henceforth, it’s back to salads. (New plaid Christmas plates, courtesy of Winners, and the shallow bowls/plates are from the mission thrift shop – 12 plates for $1 each. Just what I need – more china! I kept four and gave the rest away. It makes me sad when I see all the lovely china that must have graced someone’s dinner table at one time so I feel it’s my duty to redistribute it to people who will appreciate it.)
Salads…..
and more salads. New Years resolution – eat healthier.
I was happy to hygge at home…
With a bottle of mulled wine – the non-alcoholic kind.
and a Christmas puzzle
during the big blizzard of 2022.
We got off rather lightly – only six inches of snow but the winds were wicked and the whiteouts fierce.
The partridge was not amused.
Here’s to a calmer and more peaceful 2023. Happy New Year’s to all my Readers!

#Sailboat Season – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photo(s) tell your story.

Sailboat on the lake – beachfront view
You can never have too many sailboat paintings…..
Sailboat on the river….
Sailboat framed in blue….
Sailboat under the bridge
Sailboat Race Under the Bridge
Sailboat race at the marina
The Regatta
Cruising with the sails down
Sailboat art cards
To the Lighthouse
Sailboat in darker blue
Sailboat in choppy waters
Stormy Weather
Sailboat summer is passing….enjoy it before it’s gone!

#Roses – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photo(s) tell your story.

An heirloom rosebush which came with the house.
and blooms faithfully and abundantly every year.
Behind it near the trellis is a repeat pink climber planted a few years ago.
They seem to live in harmony despite the close quarters and clashing colors.
Another climber on the back arbor……the one on the other side died from lack of sun.
An old pale pink Austen climber which gets too much shade to bloom much.
And my favorite repeat bloomer the Knock-Out rose of which I now have 25!

For more on roses check out The Subject was Knock-Out Roses – link.

#Peonies – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photo(s) tell your story.

Pink peony greeting the morning sun.
Second year for this “August Dessert” bush but the first with substantial blooms
Peony at twilight.
I was disappointed in this bush the first year it bloomed as they are too pale.
This bright pink color is what I ordered.
But they’ve grown on me…..and it’s right beside my meditation bench.
A crown of peony blooms fit for a June bride.

For more on peonies check out A Walk Down Peony Lane – link.

#Signs of Summer – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photo(s) tell your story.

The first trip to the DQ for a milkshake.
Because you need fuel to do all that gardening.
Scheduling a pedicure with the best nail polish ever.
For that first walk on the beach.
Grabbing an ice cream cone
Shaw’s – a tub full of happiness – where have you been all my life?
While watching the seagulls and the waves roll in.
Opening all the windows and airing out the house.
Smelling the first roses of the season – look at all the buds.
Tasting the first strawberries – don’t forget to wear your hat! Happy Summer!

#Irish Souvenirs – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photo(s) tell your story.

Tweed afghan – from my trip to Ireland many years ago.
Another afghan I couldn’t pass up – from a shop on Grafton Street.
Thank you Mary Fitzgerald! You are a true artisan.
The colors reminded me of heather.
What tourist could resist a traditional Aran sweater….
…or two! It was so cold that September they were both well used.
Such excellent workmanship.
Thank you Una O’Neill for keeping me warm during my trip! And thanks to the sheep for donating the wool!
Traditional tweed caps and one summer one for golfing….my dad used to wear the gray one.
My friend who went to med school in Ireland, has brought me back many lovely souvenirs as Christmas gifts over the years.
including this Claddagh circle – the Irish symbol of love and friendship – and a blue Aran sweater,

a Waterford crystal vase, which weighs a ton, but which will hold spring daffodils soon,
and some Irish coffee glasses for toasting Happy St. Patricks Day! The music box plays When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, which they are looking back at all these mementos of my Irish heritage.

#The Water in Winter – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photos(s) tell your story.

Seagulls hanging out on the river…
Two swans a swimming on Valentine’s Day…
The beach in winter…
is closed….but it’s nice to see the blue sky.
Wish these were sand dunes but they’re frozen waves covered with snow….
Which you’re not supposed to climb on…..
And lastly, it wouldn’t be a Canadian winter without hockey on the pond!

#Snowpeople – Wordless Wednesday

Let your photo(s) tell your story.

Even a big burly snowman needs to wear a mask….
Every snowwoman needs some bling – but if your nose falls off…..
….then improvise! (I wonder if their mother knew they left the bag of celery outside?)
I’m melting……The End.