Summer ~ Melting

Day 212

It is currently 11:43 am here in Prince George. The temperature right now is 26c and this afternoon it should be 31c.

Ice pops can be referred to as a Popsicle, Ice pop, (Canada,US), freezer pop (US), ice lolly, ice pop (UK, India, Ireland, South Africa), ice block (Australia, New Zealand) or Ice drop (Philippines).

An ice pop is a water based or milk-based frozen snack on a stick and this summer time treat was invented in 1905 in San Francisco, California.

Summer ~ Melting

With this mornings temperature it did not take long for these Ice Pops to melt in the sunshine.

If you are in a heat wave, stay cool and hydrated.

See you soon!

Jewels

"Keep Cool and have a Popsicle, Ice Pop, Ice Lolly, Ice Block!"

Summer ~ By the River

Day 211

Life is a long and winding adventure, it swirls and rushes over rocks and obstacles.  As it flows and builds and falls you never know what is around that next bend.  At times life can be rough like a river and other times it is calm peaceful. Life in some ways is like a river or maybe even a shallow fast creek.

As Garth Brooks said in his song "The River" ever changin' as it flows, must flow it where it goes. Makes each day a constant battle to stay between the shores.

Summer ~ Daisies by the river

Today the Fraser River is high wide and seems slow moving, you could even call it A Lazy River.

I sat and tossed stones into the water and watched the splash fade away and float down stream. Sitting by the river and enjoying the breeze on my face, thinking of nothing, thinking of everything.

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

"Life is like a river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere."

Summer ~ Peas

Day 210

Summer sometimes means that you can head out into the garden to pick peas. What usually will happen is that I will be shelling peas and eating them before I even get them into the house.

I remember raiding mom's garden and filling my pockets with peas to eat on the way to the creek or city pool for a swim.

If I was told to go pick peas as a summer chore, I am sure I complained. I must say those peas that I raided tasted so good!!

Pea Flower ~ future pea pod

Pea

I used my macro lens and had my camera set on Tv (shutter) 1/200 IS0 100 to get these shots in our pea patch.

And so now to head out an pick some peas... maybe there will be some for tonight's dinner!

Thank you for taking a look at today's photo challenge.

See you very soon.

Jewels

" Spread HAP-PEA-NESS  today!"

Cold Drink and a Good Book

Day 209

What do you do an a nice summer afternoon?

Sometimes you just need to stop and enjoy the day because winter.. yes I said winter is coming!! What a better way to enjoy summer by reading a good book and sipping on a fresh batch of Rhubarb Lemonade on the patio next to some beautiful flowers.

Life could not get any better than this!

Cold Drink and Good Book

A few people were asking me for the

Rhubarb Lemonade Recipe given to me by my sister in law Donna Hennig.

Question? Do they have rhubarb in Fiji??

Rhubarb Lemonade

7 cups of water

3/4 cup of sugar bring to a boil

add 5 cups of chopped rhubarb

bring to a boil and simmer for 10 min.

strain liquid into a bowl or large measure cup. let stand for 10 min do not press.

Pour into a pitcher add juice from 1 lemon.

Serve over ice and you may add lemon circles for garnish or lemon curls.

If you wish you can use to make a great drink using vodka, gin or rum.

Enjoy!

See you again very soon!

Jewels

"Patio Rules"

Kick Back

Read a good book

Sip a drink

BBQ

appreciate the good life

Gather family

Entertain friends

take a long nap

Relax

Lemons

Day 208

When life gives you lemons you make... lemonade, lemon squares, lemon scones, lemon cookies (I have a great recipe), you cook with it, garnish it there are so many things you can do with a lemon.

Lemonade on a summer's day go well together, just fill that glass with fresh squeezed lemonade and ice.... ahhh!!

Our garden is giving us tons of rhubarb and I found a couple of lemons in the fridge...

So, if you are up to your arm pits in rhubarb and life hands you a couple of lemons...go ahead and make some Rhubarb Lemonade!

Lemons~ Rhubarb Lemonade

If you think of all the health benefits of lemons, and rhubarb in one drink! If you add a little vodka or rum.. now that would be a delicious summer time drink!

Here is a toast to my family and friends who are following my 366 photo a day challenge!

Jewels

"The sweet just isn't as sweet without the sour"

Back Yard ~ Different View

Day 207

 

We have returned safely from our road trip. No matter how many days you are away there always seems like there is lots to be done before you go away and when you get home.

Since we were working in the yard this morning, I took a quick photo with my cell phone of our backyard.

Back yard ~ Different View

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

Until tomorrow

Jewels

Enjoying life one Sip at a Time.

Back Home from Road Trip

We are back from our road trip, and now to download the photos, do a wee edit, create a blog and post my photo a day challenge for you to enjoy... along with unpacking, laundry, and going outside to see what my garden aka jungle plants have been doing while we were away!

Day 197

Road Trip from Prince George BC to Vancouver Island to visit Roberts mom.This trip is about a 8 hour trip not including the BC Ferry crossing to the Island. There are so many beautiful picturesque stops along the way which would result in a longer road trip.

Fraser Canyon and the mighty Fraser River

 Two of Seven tunnels in the Fraser Canyon

Queen of Oak Bay

Day 198

We arrived at Shawnigan Lake the evening before. We started the day with coffee and the view of the lake before starting on a few chores for Roberts mom. We took a break and did a walk about. Being here at this wonderful place is so  extraordinary to me! I love the old growth cedars, fungi, wild flowers, deer, rabbits, squirrels and so many birds singing. It will be hard to leave this beautiful place behind.

A few of the many wild flowers

Day 199

Today is my grand daughter Aleah's birthday. After phoning her and wishing Aleah a very Happy tenth Birthday, we went to visit more family.

They do not have a lake, but they have a mountain which we climbed to see the view.

To Aleah, no matter where you are or how old you get.. remember when you
snuggle in this blanket, it is a hug from me!

 View of Pedder Bay and beyond the Pacific Ocean

Day 200

I love starting the day with coffee on the deck or on the dock. The lake was full of 'Summer People' playing with their motorized water toys.

We did some chores long the beach which gave us a good excuse to play and swim in the water.

Snorkeling

Fun at the lake 

 The Sunset

Day 201

Today is the last day at the lake. We wanted to make sure all those chores were done for Roberts mom before we had that last swim. Once again, I had my morning coffee at the beach watching the 'summer people' playing on the water.

Good Morning Summer People

Day 202

One more view of the lake as we say farewell. I try not like to say good-bye because to me that sounds so final.

We arrive into Nanaimo BC in time for ice cream at the Quay! Then we checked into the hotel and connected with Nathan, Grace, Donnie and Audrey to make some plans while we are here.

Last Morning at the Lake

Hello Nanaimo

Lily

Day 203

Good Morning Nanaimo BC. After breakfast we headed down to the Quay to spend some time watching people fishing for crab, sailing around the harbor and walking in the park. What a beautiful day! 

Lens Ball photo of Nanaimo BC

We met up with Grace, Donnie and Audrey and we headed out to Saysutshun-Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. You can walk the many trails around the island. You can pack along your tent to camp, or explore the beach, swim or just sit and relax. We took a 10min foot passenger ferry ride over to the island.

On Newcastle Island ~ view of Nanaimo Harbor 

Walking the beach on Newcastle Island

Audrey, Grandma Julie and Donnie
photo by Grace

Day 204

After breakfast we decided to check out downtown Nanaimo BC. There are several very interesting shops that if you had time it would be worth checking out. With Covid-19 these unique shops open later and because we had a swim/beach combing date with Donnie and Audrey at Departure Bay Beach we didn't stay very long.

We did find some street art and I took a couple of photographs of my favorite.

Street Art Downtown Nanaimo BC

The tide went out and we found many shells ~ Donnie in the back ground
A different view of Departure Bay
 

Audrey and Grandma Selfie

Day 205

Today we headed back to the main land. We said farewell to Nanaimo BC, the grand kids, the sunrise and the sun sets. We will return.

Last Sunrise View of Nanaimo Harbor taken from Hotel Window

Port Mann Bridge~ Black and White

I used my cell phone to take this photo as we were crossing the bridge.

Day 206

Today is my oldest grandson's 15th Birthday. It has become a tradition this year that each of the grand kids receive a handmade blanket from me as their gift.

For Ashton~ no matter how old you get, when you snuggle in this blanket
remember, it is a hug from me!

I am currently reading a novel about the heroine who made a trip to Ireland to visit her ancestral home. Thinking to my own family and its history, we do not have such a place.  As I sit here admiring  "The Big House". I realize that this house, this home was built by my children and my grand children's ancestors and there are still family members living here. Now if those walls and windows could speak.

built in 1921 ~ Ancestral Home

We had a wonderful trip filled with many more stories  and photographs. Now its back to reality...

Thank you for taking a peek at my photo challenge!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

"Sometimes the best therapy is a Long Drive and Music."

In the Car

Day 196

I am having fun playing with 'Long Exposure' photo shoot rather than packing for our Road Trip!

This photo reminds me of all the times I have said to family and friends... "I wish I could come with you, let me sneak in the back seat, in your luggage."

I used my 24mm lens and I placed it on the dashboard of my car... I set the camera to 'M', ISO Auto, aperture f16, shutter speed 10 sec. The trick is to hit the shutter button then zip into the back seat before the shutter closes..you have 10sec!

In the car ~ Long Exposure ~ Ghostly Passengers

If you notice, I even had time to switch sunglasses!!

Thank you for taking a look at my photo and blog!

Once again I shall be away from my computer... when I return I will do another catch up! Stay tuned!!

See you sooner than you think!

Jewels

"It doesn't matter where you are going, it is who you have beside you!"

Before & After

Day 195

It is always cool to look at Before and After photographs. Whether they are pictures taken in the 1970's of your home town, recent renovations, or giving yourself that much needed make over.

We go through many changes in our lives.. the style of is clothing is always changing, some of us women some of us change our hair style and color often.

I have been coloring my hair for a lot of years and for a lot of reasons, self confidence, to fit in with certain styles, to suit my personality, a change is as good as a vacation or a rest.

For me it is to hide my natural hair color. With Covid-19 and physical distancing it has been in January when I had a visit with my hair dresser!

Before ~ Field of Wild Flowers

After ~ In our Back yard

So here I am the yellow blonde and white/grey hair is gone..for now.

Question of the day...

Which one do you like best and why? The Before or the After?

Have a wonderful day!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

" To be beautiful means to be

yourself,

You don't need to be accepted by

others,

You need to accept yourself."

Wild Flowers

Day 194

We have had a great amount of rain this summer season. With rain comes the Wild Flowers, fields of Wild Flowers of every color!

Walking among the flowers, you can hear the honey bees jumping from flower to flower.

Field of Lupines

Romantic Wild Flowers

I love the romantic Wild flower photo I created with my picture and using the Clarity slider and Tone Curve in Light Room.

I hope you have a great day.. walk among the Wild Flowers, listen to the bees!

Thank you for taking a peek at my photo for today!

Jewels

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." -Mulan

Rhubarb Chello

Day 193

It has been about 4 weeks (Day 158) since we had started our creation using rhubarb, sugar and vodka. Everyday this mixture was given a shake. Today it was ready to be filtered and bottled.

Rhubarbchello 2020

Nothing is better to have a few good friends.  They help you celebrated the good times and support you during the bad times. A good friend walks the talk and shows that they care by their actions~ big and small.

It was fun creating something from our garden. Something that we grow and have an abundance. Doing something delicious and creative, to share and to enjoy! We will remember the fun we had bottling our Rhubarbchello! The taste will be sweet from the laughter, the fun and the friendships!

Thank you for taking a look at my photo challenge and blog!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels

PS( the vodka and sugar soaked rhubarb will be used in a recipe because I believe in not wasting food! )

Enjoying life with one sip at a time, esp. with friends!

Been gone now to catch up !!

Day 177

When you are taking a summer road trip, usually you find you are not alone on the road,at the rest stops, gas stations, sight seeing and viewing areas. They are filled with travelers just like ourselves. Except right now not many people are traveling. No tour buses, no tourists except for locals. We had the luxury of experiencing the Rocky Mountains to ourselves! It was a real pleasure!

Mount Robson in the clouds  viewed through bug splat windows

Side window, side mirror view

water fall rest stop

Day 178

Grand kids, pool filled with water, pool toys, grandma with her camera. A great time to cool off and show off to the camera!

Grandma+Camera+Grandkids+ Pool = fun

Day 179

Today I thought I would start a B & W series since we are having some rain here in Airdrie AB.

B & W Lilacs

Day 180

A family gathering in the back yard. There is always a photo moment esp. when you have children around!  No matter what age you go ahead and jump into the group photo smile your biggest smile and say cheese!

Say Cheese!

When  you are at a family gathering, its challenging and fun to try and capture one photo that the subject doesn't realize  you are taking a picture...

Loving her baby doll

Day 181

A day trip to Calgary for some shopping with my brother. I took this quick photo at an intersection. I do know there are other wonderful areas around Calgary to take a great city photo. I played a little with this photo in light room.

City of Calgary in B & W

Day 182

One of my goals with my challenge is taking photographs of people. Today I set up a chair that I think had great light from the window and patio door. I did today's photo shoot so that I could edit them in B& W. The actual photos turned out soft (not crisp). I like the effect.

Aleah age 10

I like the how the kids today are looking in the mirror, cell phones, I pad. They are practicing their smiles, how to pose... maybe practicing to be that next greatest model?!!

Don't grow up too fast Aleah!

With the photo of James, I played with the Tone Curve to pick up some extra color! James who has been combating zombies around the house!

Just for you James ~

Day 183

Today we found out where my daughter in law is working... she drives a garbage truck for the City of Calgary. She showed us how her truck works. Now what is the title of her job? I need to be politically correct!.  Garbage Man, Trash Collector, Refuse Collector, Sanitation Engineer, Waste Management Professional, Waste Collector.

A very pretty Garbage Truck Driver

Day 184

Today James and I we had a chance to play in the pool together. He wanted me to try and get an action shot of him jumping into the pool.

Jump Shot

Day 185

Another day in the pool! Taking a photo through the trees in the  yard.

A peek at the pool party

Day 186

Trip to Grotto Canyon Park is located in the Bow River Valley across from Canmore AB. This is a popular hiking spot among the locals and tourist alike.

photo by Andrew

photo by Andrew

Then it rained

Question is this Nature Made of Man Made?

Day 187

Princess Island Park, Calgary AB. We did an after dinner drive and walk around the park complete with Ice Cream dessert!

Peace Bridge over the Bow River

Ice Cream Dessert with Grand kids~ photo by Danielle

Day 188

A day out doing some errands around Airdrie and Calgary. We are driving on Deer Foot Trail and we noticed the only very white clouds in the dark stormy sky. I took this photo while we were moving.

White Clouds against the Dark Sky

Day 189

Baking Day~ Sour Cream Rhubarb Muffins

Rhubarb Muffins ~ Iphone photo

Day 190

It was a windy stormy morning, so out came the mixing bowls again to make up a batch of Banana Bread Cookies a hit and favorite with the grand kids who were making tents in the bedrooms.

Banana Bread Cookies

Day 191

Aleah wanted to help me with my photo challenge today. She wanted have me get a picture of a ball being tossed in mid-air. We managed to get this shot after 2 tries!

Ball in Mid Air` with my assistant

Day 192

Heading back to Prince George via jet plane. The airport traffic was not very busy. The travelers were quiet. The airport felt deserted. Just not  the same hustle and bustle like we were use to before Covid-19! Everyone wearing masks and physical distancing themselves from others. Masks worn then removed for a moment to check ID and then getting your temperature checked before boarding. You are handed a sanitizer wipe as you enter the plane.

A mid-air toast with a Beautiful British Columbia Sunset

I am now home. It was wonderful to spend time with some family. Rest assured we were always careful when we were sight seeing and in public places. It felt great to do something somewhat normal during this time.

Now it is time to unpack and see what the future holds for us.

I hope everyone was staying healthy and happy.

Until tomorrow, or later today!

Cheers!

Jewels

"I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven't seen. How much I am not going to to see, and how much I still need to see!"