A "Victoria Day" in the Garden, 2015

Relaxing in the shade by the plum tree, with the cliffs being a spectacular view.

Steve and I spent Victoria Day working and playing in the garden, we were very sore by the end of that beautiful day.

Mattie camouflaged in the sun.

Hosta of brilliance with dying tulips.

Bells hang from the porch.

Just stopped to chit chat and chit chat, chit chat and chit chat.

Steve concentrating on taking off the curled leaves that have a fungus on them, common to peach trees.

Cool place to sit and read beside the plum tree.

Karen taking a brake from planting.

Strawberries, patiently waiting for the first bit.

Peony.

Ideas Pop

Ideas  flit around my head, popping up unannounced, expecting me to do something about it. I take them in and roll them around my head, evaluate their necessity or if I need a ladder to get it done. In my life before epilepsy I could pounce on each idea with a reassurance that I would be able to do this.  At least in my mind I don't need a chaperon to take me there. The writing I love has been minimal, it's in there just give it time, it could come in abundance.  When the weeds are shouting, their love for the garden and the sun beckons  you into it's warmth, I will leave the confines of this house and roam the garden, taking in the pleasures of scent, color, taste and the intricate patterns of nature. Then again I might just sit down and read a book, which insights more ideas, and regrets that I push away. How much can I let go? 

On my trip to Trout Lake I collected rocks, this is a small 4" x 4" canvas, inspired by Sheila Peter's Facebook profile. I'm also reading her new book "Shafted" a mystery.

I Have been busy with new art projects, Enderby has been busy too, with some wonderful new art around town.

Another 4" x 4" canvas, reminiscent of Pete's boat "Constant Virtue" "Connie" for short. 

The Enderby downtown breeze way has had a major lift of color and whimsy, you must check it out. This is Todd McCormac  the artist hired by the Arts Council to do the make over of the breeze way. I love how the butterfly has fluttered softly through his head.

This is at the skate board park, if it says something it is beyond me but it looks great, well done!

The Girl Guides of Canada were happy to swamp Enderby this summer, more than doubling the population. Heather was hired to help the girls paint the building that houses the washrooms etc, Thank you Girl Guides for the amazing visit, if I could just inspire you to change your cookie receipt to no chemicals, GMO's and all organic.  

The birds didn't want to be outdone and left and artfully dropped "Yin and Yang".

I finally finished my Creature from a dream. I'm hoping that when I look at it next I don't see another touch up.

My latest 4" x 4" canvas, abstract "Heart Attack".

It is good to pause, step back from progress, do I go straight, do I meander left or right? Day dreaming is a good tool, and I love what it brings, even if it doesn't suit me. Let it in, let it out, stomp on it, embrace it, give it the juice it needs to unfold and give you what you need to live.

Works in progress, if the table isn't a mess, nothing it being created. Where does sewing fit on this table?

A Tea Party

Roses from our garden, mixed with carnations and an old silver tea pot, add up to a lovely table  decoration

On the weekend Steve and I drove to Abbotsford  for a Tea Party.  The setting for the party was  beautiful gardens, and lush green fields. Everyone brought food, no one left hungry. In fact we took some food home with us. Love a party outside. The next day we went to a Birthday party for Steve's nephew. It was a party weekend.Great to see people I hadn't seen for a long time.

Strawberry rhubarb galette, and an Irish lemon cake.

The unsuspecting Step daughter.

The bee's also enjoyed the party.

More wine, more food?

Natalie and Jonny

Jonny and Karen

Study of sun refraction and shadow

So Much To Do

 Painting the wall was a huge job. Here it is with the primer done and the coat of paint almost done on the one side. The little fence still needs to be painted but we have some viscous ants that live close to the fence and it is easier to just not do it.

We had 14 peaches on our peach tree this year. I picked the first one and eat it warm from the tree. It was a taste of heaven, sweet juice ran down the side of my mouth as I slowly savored the tasty fruit. Peach trees are not happy here, and this year we had too much rain for their liking.

With our neighbor Jeannette's help Steve and I got the big school table out of the shop and under the tree. The first project under the tree was lunch with Jeannette, Steve made her lunch I made mine. The next project was the canopy of painted clear plastic and sheer white fabric, attached under the tree to keep the debris from falling. Next project getting ready for the fall fairs. Elizabeth May as a Flower.

A clothes line has been hung. I am sure I spent a whole day hanging the line and doing the laundry.  Looking at the laundry in the garden from under the tree.

The roots were a bit of a problem for walking around under the tree. I was told if you  cover up the roots you will kill the tree, don't want to do that. So I just put some old bricks and sand among the roots in strategics places to help with the walking. I like it and so does Mattie for digging it up.

The garden has been slow and some of it seamed to be growing smaller rather than bigger, but the flowers are happy.  

Fairy moss loves my pond, we have to take some out  once and awhile it grows so fast. The fish seam to like being in the pond again.

Looking out the shop door into the garden.

Peas, lettuce, nasturtiums,  all from the square foot garden

Dragon beans and kale.

Dinner, I have been making a lot of dips with bean base or vegetable base.  Last nights dip was kale, basil, lemon juice, sunflower seeds, olive oil, salt, whizzed up in the blender. For bean dips you can use your favorite bean some of my favorites are lentils, pinto, adzuki, you can add lemon juice, tahini, garlic, zucchini, your favorite herbs and spices. Be creative.

Flowers from Jeannette's garden.

Then we have lunch. Blue corn chips, bean dip, green olives stuffed with almonds, daiya nondairy cheese, cilantro. Yummm. 

Art in a downtown Enderby window. In the reflection you can see scaffolding for some construction across the street. I didn't have any thing to write down the name of the artist I am sorry.

Punch. I have been making some very good punches with herb teas such as Rooibos, rose petal, rose hip, fresh mint,  and fruits just squeezed into the tea. Lemon juice, raspberries, cherries, apricots, not necessarily all at once. A touch of Stevia for sweetening.

One Sunday walk took us under the bridge I was impressed. 

Art under the bridge.

After all that a nap anywhere, in any position  will do for Mattie