New Blooms

Phlox are the brightest flowers blooming in our yard these days.

I originally bought four potted plants in four colours - and eventually divided them.

Now they add a dash of colour here and there in the yard.

My first yellow bearded lily is beginning to bloom, too. It was a gift from one of Terry's co-workers when we drove out into the country to buy plants at her husband's plant nursery.

In the early years, there was only one flower - but I see lots of buds this year. Glad it's doing well in our crowded garden!

Book to "Nibble" On

I often have a number of books around that I'm not so much reading - as "nibbling" on.

Here's one: The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days.

I heard about the author, Kate Bowler, from my daughter - who listens to her podcasts. 

She's about my daughter's age - but a life- changing cancer diagnosis a few years ago made her reflect more on life.  

A thought that made me pause and ponder is found in the introduction: "We have days that shimmer... We know how fleeting these moments can be. Some days are filled with fireworks, yes, but most are not..." So true.

After the flood, the basement cleanup preoccupied us. No shimmer there...

I'm thankful that the water is gone and the walls are drying out. But we have a long way to go before we get our living space back.

So I look out the window to brighten my days. The flowers in my garden - and the beautiful sky bring me joy. I'm so thankful for them!

Christmas in July

A few days ago, Terry and I headed to the Miller's Oven Tea House in Manotick for a traditional Christmas dinner -  in July!

I really have no idea how this tradition started - but it's a fun reminder (in the middle of summer)...

... that our wonderful warm weather won't last forever.

All too soon, winter will return. Christmas is only five months away!

In the meantime, enjoying a traditional Christmas meal is such a treat!

Conversation With Six-Year-Old

I had promised to buy him a gift for passing into grade 2, and he chose a nerf gun...

I was conflicted: I don't like to see kids with guns - even toy ones with sponge bullets. And then there's the potential danger of projectiles hitting the eyes... 

I probably should have refused, but I didn't.

Okay, I finally said . But if  you shoot at anyone's face, or hit anyone in the eye, the gun will be confiscated. I'll take it away until you're 21.

Why 21? He asked.

Because you'll be an adult, I replied.

I won't be living here, he said. I'm leaving when I'm 19.

Where will you be living? I asked.

He paused, then replied: In Spain.

(Hmmm. Spain? Is that because Spain just won the world cup?! Everything affects everything... I wonder how many little boys are now talking about a place called Spain?!)

Then and Now

I recently came across this photo of our backyard garden - next to the hedge - in the summer of 1999...

I took a photograph of that same garden today.

The hedge is much taller - and the two-storey building next door hides behind it now.

Time changes everything - even gardens!

In the Woods!

Currently, my daily steps are (virtually) transporting me along a coastal trail in western Australia along the New South Wales Coast.

I enjoy the satellite image from above... from this perspective, the view is very scenic...

But recently, on the street level view of the trail, I was surprised to find myself literally walking in the woods!

Where's the path? Is there a road? 

There are no vehicles around! How does the google camera - positioned on top of a vehicle - get here?!! Do they now use a camera on a drone?

Old Family Movies - Vacation

My father took home movies when my brother and I were young. We watched them regularly in the early years - but for a long time now the reels have sat in a box, untouched.

My brother (the child on the left)  had them transferred to digital format and recently sent me a version I could watch on a smartphone or computer. 

We've come a long way!

A few days ago, I watched one of the old reels.

I sat transfixed, remembering our first visit to Kelowna in 1957. 

My grandmother (above) - probably stepping out of the kitchen. Is that a clothesline full of white sheets top left?!

It looks so peaceful!

My uncle Bob - age 16 or 17 - putting the smallest cousin on a horse.

I understand now why my parents fell in love with the area - and why, two years later, our family moved there.

Watching it all really took me back!