Seeds

Day 152

After flowering is finished, the dandelion flower head dries out for a day or two. The dried petals and stamens drop off, the bracts reflex (curve backwards), and the parachute ball opens into a full sphere. When development is complete, the mature seeds are attached to white, fluffy "parachutes" which easily detach from the seed head and glide by wind, dispersing.

Dandelion Seeds ~ top view

"Some see a weed,

                         Some see a wish!" 

Symbolism of the Dandelion Flower

Most modern admirers consider it a symbol of fighting through the challenges of life and emerging victorious on the other side. Others use it as a visual reminder of the sun's power, especially when depression or grief makes it hard to stay sunny.

Dandelion Seeds ~ Side View

Lately I have been using my macro lens on my camera as I head out to our local nature trails.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Jewels

"Dandelion in my hand

I've come to set you free.

In return won't you please

Grant this wish to me?"

S.A. Hall

Detail

Day 151

The detail of an apple blossom petal as it is floating in the pond. The white washes off and all that is left is the fine detail of the apple blossom petal. If you had a great imagination, I would say they would make wonderful fairy wings.

Detail of an Apple Blossom Petal

I used my macro lens to try and capture the details of the petal as it was floating in the pond. The fine dots are pollen from the nearby trees.

B & W Detail of an Apple Blossom Petal

Trying to capture a photo of a floating petal is as challenging as trying to take a photo of snowflakes in the winter!

I will see everyone again tomorrow!

Jewels

"Even if I knew that the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."  Martin Luther

Water

Day 150

Prince George is situated between 2 rivers, the Nechako and the Fraser Rivers. Right now these rivers and a few others are swollen with water. The snow in the mountains has been melting and filling the rivers, creeks, streams and lakes.

Right now a few of the trails at Cottonwood Island Park have been closed due to flooding.

Water ~ Spring Run Off

In the foreground is the Nechako River, just before it connects with the Fraser River. I am standing on a bridge that goes over a small slow creek/pond that joins the river.

In the winter I took a photo of the bridge standing on the frozen river. When the water recedes I hope to be able to walk along the shores of the river and get a photo of the bridge.

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

"Life's just right with the River in Sight."

Flora

Day 149

Flora: is all the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring native plants.

Did you know that the Lilac or common Lilac is a species of flowering plant in the Olive family! Native to the Balkan Peninsula and has been naturalized in Europe and North America.

Lilac Blossom Almond Scones
Adapted from Holly and Flora
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (6.75 ounces) flour, all-purpose
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, chilled
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) toasted, chopped almonds
• 3/4-1 cup lilac flowers
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, shaken well
  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling on top

Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and toss into the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture, until pea-sized lumps of butter are present. 

Add the almonds, lilac blossoms, vanilla and buttermilk (a little at a time) and fold together in the bowl with your hands just until the all the flour is moistened and the dough holds together. Make sure to not over-work. Lightly flour the ball of dough and flatten it out on the counter, by hand, into a 1/2 -3/4 inch thick disk. Cut the dough into triangles and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly dust with turbinado sugar. (At this point I usually place my scones in the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes to firm up. This step is not absolutely necessary, but I find that scones bake up taller and more beautiful when they chill a little first. You can actually freeze the scones entirely, transfer them to a plastic bag and store them in the freezer. Then bake directly from the freezer when needed, adding a few more minutes to the baking time if needed. This is a great time saver on mornings when you want a fresh batch of scones, but don't want the hassle of making them that morning.) 

Bake 12 to 16 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until turning golden brown on the edges. Serve warm, plain, or with a little butter and your favorite jam. 

Yields: 4 large or 8 small scones

Lilac ~ Flora

While I was googling my research on the lovely Lilac, I had discovered all sorts of recipe including "Wine"! I have not tried any yet.. but when I do... I will share with you!

Until tomorrow!

Keep Smiling!

Jewels

Advice for a Lilac

Think Spring            Enjoy the Sunshine

Add color to your life       Delight in simple pleasures

Make new Buds             Take time to smell the flowers

Be Scent-sational

Under ~ Bugs Eye View

Day 148

If you were as small as a Lady Bug, Butterfly, Beetle or Ant, this is what you may see if you were under a flowering plant in my flower bed.

I used my 7D Canon Camera, with my macro lens and started my photo walk around my yard. I set my camera on 'P'. I have discovered how to use a the back button focus! That means I didn't need to get down on my hands and knees to take some 'Under' shots of these gorgeous yellow flowers! I pointed pushed the shutter button then took a look!

Under ~ Bugs Eye View

I love the texture of this photo.... I could almost say it is like a painting! Painted with my camera! I would use this  photo as something I would hang on a wall... or use as a greeting card.

Tell me what you think....I would love to hear!

Until tomorrow,

Jewels

"And I think to myself... what a wonderful world."

Mom is Moving On

Day 147

Mom:

Today's posting is for you mom!

It was almost ten years ago when your family helped you unpack as you moved here to Prince George.

Welcome to town 

During this past couple of weeks we helped you pack up your treasures. You are moving to Penticton! I am very happy and excited for you!

I frequently say this:

Things happen For a Reason, a Season, or a Life Time.

A Reason why you moved here.....  only you will have that answer.

A Season.. well you did manage 10 years of Prince George Seasons...short springs and summers, Forest Fire Season, crisp cold falls and long cold winters. Good for you!

A Life Time? I always had a hunch that you wouldn't stay long.

As you packed up your treasured possessions, I hope you are taking along some of these wonderful stories to share with family and new friends!

Do you Remember???

Road Trip to Bakerville

              Road trips to Jasper

                        Road trip to Ernie and Jeans

                                       Picnic at the Ancient Forest

                                                         Wiener Roast at West Lake

                                                                          Hucklebery Picking

                                                                                      Birthdays, dinners,

                                                                              Pizza Party

                                                                       Birthday  Bowling Party

                                                            holding and cuddling great grand babies

                 Your Formal Birthday Dinner in my Back Yard with the family

Bedding Plant shopping

                  Dinners at the house

                                   Christmas Eve

                                                 Thanks Giving

                                                            Roasted Hot Dogs on Mothers Day 

                                                                        Graduation and other wonderful Celebrations!

And Best of All

Your Birthday Airplane Ride around Prince George! Now how cool was that!!

Advice!

Make your new place unique and creative and not the same as before.

Make each day a Celebration!

Pour water from the crystal, eat off the china (often!!) Dance in the sunshine, laugh in the rain and eat lots of peaches!

Mom just be Happy!!

Julie

Mom is Moving On

Until tomorrow

Jewels

"And suddenly you know,

its time to start something new

and trust in the magic

of new beginnings!"

Something New

Day 146

I made something new for my grandson. He turns 10 years old today! He has already received his blanket with a note that says;

No matter if you are 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50  years old. When you wrap yourself up in this blanket....it is like a hug from your Grandma Julie!

Something New ~ Blanket for Donnie

 I immediately received his response! He just loves it!! Which makes me happy! Something created and given with love!

Happy 10th Birthday!!

love Grandma!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

Plum Blossoms

Day 145

It is a amazing what happens in your garden in a week. Especially keeping busy and way from home during the day!

Today I walked around the yard and checked out the gardens! I love what I am seeing. The seeds I planted last week are up! We have blossoms on the apple tree and the young plum tree.

We planted the plum tree last spring! I am hoping for a few plums to try! I am thinking of all the great things I can cook and bake with plums!

Plum Blossom

I took this photo with my macro lens. I love the softness of the blossom.

I think I will do a walk about in my own yard this week and take photos then share them with you!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

Enjoying my yard one blossom and one sip at a time!

Bleeding Hearts

Day 144

One of my favorite flowering plants is the Bleeding Hearts!

Close-up of a Bleeding Heart

It had rained yesterday, and this morning we work up to fog! I went out in my bathrobe and camera in hand taking photographs of my Bleeding Hearts!

I had notice that there was a fine spiders web wrapped around a row of hearts!

Bleeding Hearts

I watched a tutorial on doing a matte style editing and I thought I would try that with these photos! 

What do you think?

Thank you all for taking the time to check out my photos!

See you next time!

Jewels

"Bleeding heart flower, just like the name says, symbolizes unconditional love and compassion towards someone."

Something New

Day 143

I have started a new project this time for me! It is a black and white sweater! I have this yarn.. so very soft and it is knitting up very nicely. I will take a photo of the sweater when it is done.

My yarn order has just arrived and I want to make a couple of afghans/blankets for two grand kids as they have birthdays coming up, so no hoarding this batch of yarn, time to get knitting and my black sweater on hold.

I am looking forward to sit on my deck, view the yard and knit of course with wine in hand!

Something New

I get very excited when I start a new project...and I am glad when the project is finished and it has turned out the way it should and the recipient loves the gift!

Have you started a new project? Is there something new at your house?

I will see you again tomorrow!

Jewels

" When life becomes too frenzied

she took up her knitting and breathed

awhile to the rhythm of the stitches and rows

until her smiled returned and her

mind was calm"

Some One I love

Day 142

I like this photograph of Robert. We went out for a walk along the river and I saw these roots exposed at the side of the bank.

I tried to focus on Robert and keep the roots soft.

Some One I Love

He always has my back.... holding onto my belt loops to make sure I won't fall off a boat or cliff. Tries to protect me when the world around me seems to fail and people say hurtful things.

There are so many people that I love esp. my children and children -in-law and my grandchildren. I care about and like so many people! but.. this man.. Is Some One I love and I feel truly blessed!

Thank you for taking the time to look at my photo!

I will see you very soon!

Jewels

"Tell Someone you love.... you love them!"

What to do on a rainy day.... Bake Cookies!

Day 141

Cloudy damp weather is a great time to do some baking in the kitchen. Plus, what do you do with over ripe bananas?  I usually bake up Banana Bread or Muffins.

Last year while visiting family in Airdrie AB I found this recipe. It was a hit! So I decided that today's blog I would share this recipe! (Thank You Pinterest)

In today's recipe I add raisins and a mini chocolate chips and some granola that one of my daughters had made.

With a nice cup of coffee or tea today.... will be perfect pairing on a day like today.

Banana Bread Cookies

They are very tasty... give them a try!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

"Baked with Love!"

Back Yard View (Spring)

Day 140

I love how green everything is after a good rain. You get up in the morning, the sun is shining and everything has that fresh green look!

Back Yard View (Spring)

It is very fulfilling to stand here and admire the yard and look at our handy work.... the gardens all planted. Grow ( I whisper), Grow!

I hope everyone's day was wonderful!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

"A beautiful Garden is a work of Heart"

Blossoms

Day 139

As we went for our walk along the river, we noticed a lot of the wild berry bushes are blooming! The trees are covered in beautiful white blossoms.

Saskatoon Berry Blossoms

Choke or Bitter Berry Blossoms

Happy Victoria Day everyone!

I will see you tomorrow with another photo!

Jewels

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."

Henri Matisse

'H' is for ....

Day 138

H is for.... home, hearth, hope, health, hero, heart. Are just a few words that start with the letter 'H'. As I was working in our yard and planting the gardens, I had noticed a couple of Fiddle heads poking up on the lawn.

'H' is for....

I hope everyone is enjoying this May Long Weekend. Keep Safe

I shall see you tomorrow!

Jewels

Enjoying life one sip at a time!

Green Shoots

Day 137

I am so excited! I take such delight when the seeds that I had planted 2 weeks ago are poking up out of the dirt!

I can now announce to the world that my peas are up!!

Green Pea Shoots

These peas are from seeds I had collected last year from the dry pea pods!

Today I planted the rest of our vegetable gardens, potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, radishes, swiss chard spinach, green lettuce. In the next couple of days will be planting zucchini and cabbages, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Mao was my gardening companion/supervisor making sure I stayed on task!

Thank you for taking a look at my photos! That means a lot to me!

What kinds of things do you like to grow?

Jewels 

"Play in the Dirt. Because life is too short to have clean fingernails!"

Tulips

Day 136

As we start to plant our gardens, flowerbeds, and planters, we notice the new growth. One of the first flowers to bloom (other than dandelions) are the tulips and the daffodils.

Tulips

Water droplets on Tulips

Today I used my 24mm lens to get a close up photo of these tulips. 

I know that some parts of our Province of British Columbia, the tulips and daffodils already have come and gone. Living in this part of the country ours are just blooming.

Soon these tulips will fade away until next spring.  Until then I will enjoy my tulips.

I will see you tomorrow!

Jewels

"If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness."

St. Therese of Lisieux

Bird Watching

Day 135

Social Distancing #56

The thrill of Hummingbirds zipping through our garden, from feeder to feeder and back to the nest is a marvel. They are wonderful to watch as they hover in place at the feeder, flowering plant or near Roberts head.

The yard was quiet, I sat very still and soon they were zipping around the yard over the gazebo, past my head like little rockets! Then instantly stop with wings beating to get a drink from the feeder.

Ready for a drink

resting at the feeder

Can you spot the Hummingbird?

They are very smart birds, so I have heard. I hope they know that I just want to take their photograph!

Do you have Hummingbirds at your house, in your area of the world?

See you tomorrow!

Jewels

"When you see a Hummingbird, Remember to Laugh and truly

appreciate the Good Things you have"

My Shadow

Day 134

Social Distancing # 55

 My Shadow has super powers

To shrink short or grow tall

And sometimes it would vanish

To no shadows at all

My Shadow

My Shadow travels with me where ever I go.

She is a constant companion when the weather is just so

She helps me keep a secret, a silent friend.

 So only the Shadow knows!!

Thank you for taking a look at my picture of the day!

I will see you tomorrow!

Jewels

"If  you don't have any Shadows

you're not in the light." L. Gaga

Beaver Sighting

Day 133

Social Distancing # 54

It is a lovely warm day for a walk. I had a photo challenge plan for today, but, sometimes nature presents itself and you need to take advantage!

I decide to take a view of the river... with the snow pack in the mountains the rivers are rising. I heard a noise.. and there was this beautiful Beaver! I had never changed lens so fast!

Here are a couple of  photos for you to enjoy!

Beaver

Swimming Beaver

I do not remember if I ever was this close to a Beaver before! Talk about being at the right place at the right time!!

Thank you for taking a look at my photo!

See you very soon!

Jewels

Advice from a Beaver

Keep busy

Be Constructive

Chew  your food well

Work together

Be Eager

Build on your dreams

Don't get stuck in the mud.

                                C. Beaver

Eyes

Day 132

Social Distancing # 53

They say Eyes are the window to the soul. Sometimes your eyes speaks louder than words, the show pain, love, happiness, boredom, tiredness. Your eyes see the world around you, colors, shapes, lights, the beauty and the ugliness of human behavior.

I was watching and taking a photo of our local squirrel that was raiding the bird feeder. I wonder what he sees when he watches me with my camera?

Eyes

Thank you for taking a look at my photo blog!

I will see you tomorrow

Jewels

"keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." T.Roosevelt

Serene

Day 131

Social Distancing # 52

Serene is the word for today.  We took a walk at a local park and after looking at my photographs... I thought this photo described the word Serene.

So, please enjoy!

 

Serene

Happy Mothers Day to all those friends, family and followers!

I will see you tomorrow!

Jewels

"Make your heart like a lake with a calm, still surface and great depths of kindness." L.Tzu

Clouds

Day 130

Social Distancing # 51

The sun is shining high, the wind is blowing creating a cloud pattern in the blue sky. I imagine I am back at the east coast standing at Black Cove watching the waves crash against the rocks.  The sky is bright blue and the wind chasing the clouds, creating different white stokes like a painter with their paint brush! My hair is tossed around and my face is sun burnt and wind burnt, then, I look around and I am in my back yard... dreaming of a different place and a different time.

 

Clouds

Yard work is done for today, and now wine in hand I wish you all well!

See you tomorrow!

Jewels

"When we feel stuck, look at the sky. The Clouds remind us that everything changes."

Dandelions

Day 129

Social Distancing # 50

If you were to ask any one of my children the questions: "What is your mother's favorite flower?". They would answer Dandelions! When the children were small and it was Mother's Day, they would pick me the most amazing bouquets. Those bouquets would fill every available jar of every size. These bouquets of Dandelions would sit on the dining room table and at the kitchen window sill for me to enjoy!

Anyone who loves a that perfect green lawn, they think the Dandelions are a pesky weed! For the Pedde Fleet, it was a way of doing something nice for their mom by picking flowers they were allowed to pick!  But!! Lets not forget when those lovely bright yellow flowers are finished, they turn into a white fluffy puffballs!

Dandelion

  The dandelion can be a symbol of life. ... The dandelion can also be associated with hope and dreams that come true.

Until Tomorrow!

Jewels

"A weed to one person is a thing of beauty to another."

My Town : Land Mark ; Cutbanks

Day 128

Social Distancing # 49

When you are visiting Prince George, one of the landmarks you will notice is the Cutbanks. They are visible from many locations around the city. The Cutbanks are a popular spot for eager types  who like to fill their shoes with sand by climbing up to the top!  The Cutbanks are located beside the Nechako River where there is a trail that runs from Cottonwood Island Park and you get a great view of the Cutbanks from the trail.

Lens Ball View ~ Cutbanks and Trail along the Nechako River

I enjoyed my walk along the river, the sound of the water, the birds flying from branch to branch, the smell of the cottonwood leaves.

Thank you for taking a look at today's photo!

I will see you again very soon!

Jewels

"Time is like a river, you cannot touch the same water twice."