First Heat Wave

THE GARDEN: The usual late spring days of 30 degree temperatures always comes as a surprise. Sure made the beans pop out of the  ground seemingly overnight! Then to our great dismay, the squirrels decided that the bean seeds might be tasty nuts so had a busy day digging them up. Never saw that before. The symphony of garden flowers has gone beyond the tuning stage. Bluish lilacs on the new bush, dramatic poppies, cascades of bridal wreath spirea and cornflowers to name a few. And one of my favorites, brilliant Siberian iris standing tall and straight. 

DISCOVERY: A recent trip to Pennsylvania reminded me about how seeing a historic site in person piques curiosity and encourages a search for information about and understanding of the triumphs and challenges of the generations before us. The Swedes had settlements near Philedelphia long before the other Europeans. Our history books focus on the British of course. 

An Explosion of Green

THE GARDEN: After some days of rain and sun, there is green as far as the eye can see. Feels like a miracle every year. There are now three bunnies chasing each other through the hostas and lily leaves. The peas have finally broken ground and we wait eagerly for the rest. The first harvest of rhubarb was incorporated into delicious loaves. 

DISCOVERY: I am no longer intimidated by my new Dremel tool. Certainly better than hand sanding for jewellery making

Forsythia

THE GARDEN: The cheerful forsythia bushes are finally showing their spring splash of yellow. Tulips have appeared and after a couple of nibbles on the first blooms I hope that the squirrels will leave them alone. The garlic is winning the race in the vegetable garden but the onions are making a valiant effort to show themselves. The local bunny has not yet got into the garden but will be tempted by the tender shots soon. Every day is so exciting at this time of year. 

DISCOVERY: I know know how to rivet and etch my jewellery projects. Not as easy as I imagined but very satisfying once done. 

It's really spring!

After a brief absence from my blog, I am back to share my thoughts. An idea that one of my followers had was to chronicle the progress of the amazing garden that I am fortunate to experience every year. Seems like a plan to me! I think that another focus for me will be to pay attention to things that I learn as I I go about my daily routine. One does not need to travel to far away lands to be on a voyage of discovery. 

THE GARDEN: Three kinds of onions, shallots, garlic, peas, Swiss chard and kale are huddled under the soil, drenched by the April rains and waiting for the warmth of the sun before making an appearance. Trilliums are ready to blossom and the rhubarb is unfurling more every day. Anticipation!

DISCOVERY: A MacBook Pro is truly a new land and a real voyage! So sleek and modern. This week I learned how to close a program on it with the assistance of my personal trainer at the Apple store. 

Curaçao Day 5 and 6

A glorious trip on a catamaran to Klein Curaçao which is a deserted island an hour and a half away. Motored there and came back with the sails up. The turquoise sea was so brilliant that the seagulls overhead were blue on their undersides! Luckily we weren't seasick like some others. Enjoyed snorkelling and swimming and exploring shipwrecks. Tried to stay as covered up as possible from this tropical sun so only a few bright red bits the next day but took a break from the sun for most of the day. 

We are appreciating the very international and   cosmopolitan vibe on the island. One sees and hears folks of all colours and nationalities while out and about with Dutch, Spanish, local Creole (Papiamentu)  and English intermingled in conversations. Curaçao remains connected to the Netherlands so people have a Dutch passport which offers opportunities for the youth to attend university in Holland and other options as well. The poverty I have seen on some Carribean islands is not in evidence here so life is good for folks at the point. Tourism and the oil refinery keep the economy going. 

Curaçao Day 3 and 4

What can I say. Blue skies and blue sea again. Winter seems long behind us now though the New York TV channel reminds us of cold temps. A trip on the local bus to the Curaçao Sea Acquarium was fun. Feeding nurse sharks, petting stingrays and the dolphin show were entertaining. Most impressive was learning that there are natural cleaning stations under the sea where lively shrimp set up shop to assist their various colleagues who drop by by removing parasites etc. and getting their dinner in the process. How efficient and helpful. A trip to the western less inhabited part of the island showcased azure beaches, barren volcanic plains and the plantations where the slaves rebelled to strive for freedom. Swimming in the real sea rather than our faux one at the hotel was magnificent. 

Curaçao Day 2

Breakfast on the terrace, what a lovely way to start a morning in the tropics. Watched all the folks disembarking from the huge cruise ship moored near us. We joined the throngs walking over the Emma Bridge past the colourful floating market and toured the Pietermaai and Punda districts in Willemstad. As a Unesco World Heritage site, many of the old homes are being restored and  painted in beautiful colours. Very hot on the streets but we soon found relief as we enjoyed ocean breezes, the sound of the waves crashing on rocks. A cold Amstel and barracuda sightings made for a relaxing afternoon. After R and R by our ocean pool, the evening ended with a stroll to see the Emma Bridge all lit up. 

Curaçao day 1

Away from the snow and the bitter winds that have hounded us all winter. The tropical breezes are so warming on our cheeks. Cocktails in the town of Willemstaad as we watched an interesting bridge let boats in and out if the harbour. A swim in our man made ocean type infinity pool made our day complete. 

Warmth Ahead

Scarborough with spring on the horizon. The glory of warm moments with our hopes to be dashed by yet another flurry of snow. Always beautiful however the dancing snowflakes should wait for next year to entrance us. A discovery in the neighbourhood was a wonderful entree to our vacation week, the recently opened Guildwood Tea Room. How civilized. The Darjeeling tea  was strong and the cranberry and orange scone divine. Curaçao here we come!!!!!

What a Guy!

Saw the taping of a Rick Mercer show at CBC recently. Such a quick wit and as engaging in person as on TV. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy every moment and smiled as he watched his escapades on tape at a donkey refuge and rock climbing centre with singer Jan Arden. Rick Mercer and CBC, both national treasures!!

Family Day 2014

What a great idea to warm up the winter with a family day holiday in the middle of February. Happy to celebrate once again for the 7th year in a row.  Haven't missed one yet!

The new tradition of gingerbread men is welcomed by the younger ones in the crowd. The excitment of the bowling and rock climbing adventures of the past has been replaced by the thrill of a stuffed animal flying through the air and the danger of a 1 year old assessing the possibility of stepping down one stair on his own.

The Olympics warm up February

Too cold and snowy to go outside but the Winter Games and the new large screen TV stave off cabin fever. I have set up all my little Russian dolls to watch the games with us. Waiting for PK to show his stuff.