Yourself/Myself

Day #179

Thinking about yourself, myself...
 I was walking at Fort George Park, and there are these lovely Willow Trees.
You can actually climb up them, and the branches of the Willow, touch the ground. When you enter, it is like a fort.
Reminds me of the house we lived in Penticton BC! The property had 3 large Willow trees. There was one tree for each of us.. Ernie, Martin and I.. we would pretend we were part of the Swiss Family Robinson, or Castaway, or on a pirate ship... we would sit and watch the neighborhood, or we would climb the tree and sing popular songs with the Monkees, or the Beatles! 
Such a great place to play pretend!

Yourself/Myself

Sometimes I think that I live in a Bubble world, This is what I think my Bubble World is like....I think that blood is thicker than water, family is forever! That you love fiercely, hug often,apologizing when needed, argue frequently, unconditional love, unconditional acceptance, unconditional compassion. Being different unique is okay too. Being proud of yourself and fellow family members... and knowing that everyone in the family is not always right or perfect....because I am far from it!
My Bubble World... Such a great place to play pretend....  :)

(I hope I instilled these concepts in my own children.)


Thank you for letting me share... 

See you next time when I emerge from my Bubble World!  ha ha ha! 



Jewels 
 

S is for.... Yes.. Snake

Day #178

 This afternoon the smoke cleared up and occasionally the sun poked out from the clouds. I decided I need to get out and go for a walk... so, Fort George Park is where I headed. Its always good therapy to throw rocks and skip stones into the river.

 Just as I bend down to pick up another good skipping stone... I met a friend.. nearly grabbed him... and my heart skipped a beat. 

 After my heart returned to my chest... I started to take a few photos of this little guy..basking on the warm rocks next to the river! 

S is for Snake

Snake information 

Garter snake (in addition to ribbon snake) is a common name for the nearly harmless, small to medium-sized snakes belonging to the genus Thamnophis. Endemic to North America, species in the genus Thamnophis can be found from the Subarctic plains of Canada to Central America. The common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, is the state reptile of Massachusetts.^[2 

Habitat

Garter snakes are present throughout most of North America. They have a wide distribution due to their varied diets and adaptability to different habitats, with varying proximity to water; however, in the western part of North America, these snakes are more aquatic than in the eastern portion. Garter snakes populate a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, fields, grasslands, and lawns, but never far away from some form of water, often an adjacent wetland, stream, or pond. This reflects the fact that amphibians are a large part of their diet. 
(Thank you Wikipedia!) 

I have always been afraid of snakes.. even watching nature shows or Indiana Jones movies... but looking at this guy through my lens, a safe distance away, I may add... he was pretty chill with the attention I was giving him. 

Thank you for taking a look at my blog..

See next time !  (hopefully no nightmares about snakes tonight!)

Jewels 

Tall

Day #177

Earlier this spring I planted sun flowers in every corner of my garden/yard. They are now taller than my 5' 5'' person!

The blog for today is tall, and so trying to capture something tall, and my sunflowers are tall and reaching for the sunshine!

Tall

I love seeing the underside of the leaves, the blue sky, a wee bit of the clouds, plus the honey bee ready to check out the pollen ! 


Thank you for taking the time to see my photo and read my blog! 

See you next time!!

Jewels 

Edited in Black and White

Day #176

 

 

Early this morning, I was asked to take Company Staff photos. Taking a large group photos,  indoors... professional photos for the 'Company'. We all  work outside our own comfort zone. 

 

When I was done, I did a quick check on my camera, and wondered... what did I get myself into??!! 

After the photo shoot, I headed home and stopped at Wilson Park to take a few photos, somewhere in nature, where there is no judgement.

I am more comfortable taking photos of insects, flowers, landscape and people if they don't know I am taking their pictures.  

 

Edited in Black and White

After I downloaded my group photo, and did a wee bit of editing. I was pleased with the results of the photographs.

 These ducks headed out from the safety and comfort of their pond to the open river. The trail is more noticeable in black and white than in color.  


Thank you for letting me vent!

See you next time!

Jewels 

Busy

Day #175

 

 

 

I know I have posted a blog regarding Bees, I thought I would share another photo. 

 

I was outside on my front lawn using my macro lens to get some low perspective shots of the different mushrooms. I had notice a couple of Bees on the marigolds. I was rather pleased that I could get up close and personal with them! 

 

Busy

 

 

 By the way the photo challenge for today was "Busy" !

I was really pleased when I downloaded the photo and noticed the pollen on this Bee! Keep up the good work little guy! 

 

I hope you enjoyed this photo... 

 

Thank you for taking a look today!

 

See you next time!

 

Jewels 

Fresh

Day #174

August, late August and September is the time to start harvesting from the gardens. This is also the time that we fill the jars, and start to can our harvest so we can enjoy the fruits of our labors. 

Today, was Roma tomato canning day... When I can the tomatoes, I like to add herbs from my garden such as basil, oregano, parsley, garlic. Not only does it add flavor to the canned tomatoes, but, oh the shelf it looks delicious and pretty! 

Fresh

   

I am so looking forward into making up some pasta sauces this winter!

Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog!

See you soon!

Jewels 

Infinity

Day #173

Today was the Company Picnic at West Lake Provincial Park, located on about 25 min. drive from Prince George. The lake we all call West Lake, is actually named Nadislnich Lake! So much easier to say West Lake since the beach and picnic sites is all part of the Provincial Parks.

We woke up to rain, so we had a much cooler day and not a lot of people at the lake!  The sun did shine in between cloudy periods. It was a very enjoyable BBQ! 

(We are really enjoying the fresh air! Doesn't seem to be as smokey at the lake compared to being in town! )

We took a walk along the beach and watched a young eagle fly from his nesting tree to his look out tree. There were a couple of kids braving the cool temps to swim in the lake and the eagle kept a close eye on them! 

 Infinity

 

There are always so many people beautiful photos of the lake/beach etc,  that I thought this one was a different view of the lake!  

I also added the picture I took of this young eagle. 

Young Eagle 

 

Earlier in the day, there was another photographer with his camera and this amazing huge/long lens... I am sure you could count the feathers with that lens... I wonder how his photos turned out! 
I was using my 'Power Shot SX530HS' camera.
Maybe next trip to the lake, I will use my Canon 7D and my 55-250mm lens! 


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

See you next time!


Jewels !! 

 

Map

Day #172

 

 As a child, I loved pouring over the world map. Checking out all the different counties. Trying to pronounce the names of exotic locations. My classmates and I would try and decide where to go. We would toss a coin onto the map and see where it would  land, and that is the country we would visit...except.. we would research the location in the encyclopedia! Yes.. back in the day that was our "Google"!! 

 

Map

 

 

So far the countries I have visited was Germany, France, USA and a few parts of Canada... 
Where do you want to go next! 
Me?? Poland, Hungary, Croatia... and... Iceland!

Thank you for taking a look at my blog today!

See you next time!

Jewels 

Smokey Skies

posted 'City Scape' Day #78

Day #171 

 Yes, the above photo was posted in May 22 2018, the day was sunny bright and the air was clear. That is before the "Wild Fires"  in our beautiful province of British Columbia Canada. 

Today the air quality index is a 10+ hazardous, and there seems to be no end in sight. Prince George is covered in a blanket of smoke.

There are more than 500 active fires burning across B.C. with the danger rating risen to ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ in virtually every part of the province. Almost 599,000 hectares have burned so far.
The cost of fighting the fires this year, to date, has now exceeded $257 million.
Currently, the province says more than 3,600 firefighters and contractors are actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions of the province. This includes 1,427 B.C. contract personnel, as well as 680 out-of-province personnel from Alberta, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Parks Canada, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand. (thank you Global News)   

smokey city scape

Smokey Skies

The first 2 photos were taken at Connaught Hill Park, and the last photo is taken at Cottonwood Island Park at the Nechako river. This is today's photo. 

Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog! 

Only You can prevent forest fires! 

See you next time!

Jewels

Bridge

Day #170

 

 

 

Cottonwood Island Nature Park is year-round destination for residents and tourists alike. The 32-hectare park is a starting point for - or point of interest on - the 11km Heritage River Trail System and connects a number of parks along the Nechako and Fraser rivers. The trails wind along the Nechako River's shoreline and lead into a forest containing many century-old trees.

One of the park's many highlights include a series of tree bark carvings on mature cottonwood trees by Prince George resident Elmer Gunderson. The carvings of faces and other subjects were sponsored by the City in 2005 and 2016 with a new set of eight added 2017.

Other Cottonwood Island Nature Park features and amenities include:

• Canoe/Boat launch
• Viewing platforms
• Picnic shelter
• Multi-Use trails
• Outhouse washrooms

Bridge

 

 You are not really that far from city centre, but, there are times when you feel like you are far away in the middle of a forest, far from the maddening crowds and you are at peace.


Thank you for taking time to check out my blog!

See you again soon!

Jewels

Cheeky

Day #169

 

 

I was out for a walk at Cottonwood Island Park here in Prince George BC. I was hoping to capture a photo for this challenge. 

I had noticed that my shoe lace had come untied. While tying my shoe, I had noticed that a squirrel was getting very close and he was watching me!  

 

Cheeky!

At this park, the squirrels don't seem to be very afraid of humans. I think he also thought that I had peanuts for him. Considering he is a wild creature, he came very close to my camera...I had one photo where he was nose to lens and he was very blurry! 

So, I think I shall label my photo and blog "Cheeky" ! 

 

cheek·y

ˈCHēkē/

adjective

British

adjective: cheeky; comparative adjective: cheekier; superlative adjective: cheekiest

1. impudent or irreverent, typically in an endearing or amusing way.

   "a cheeky grin

    

    

    

   Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog!

    

   See you next time!

    

   Jewels 

Bird and Frog

Day #168

 

 

Bird and Frog were friends. They met each day at the pond. The bird would sing his sweet song, and frog would croak a happy tune. They liked to take turns singing to each other and sometimes they would sing together. The boy and dog, were an appreciative audience!

 

 

 

Bird and Frog

 

I loved sitting outside on my deck listening to the birds singing...so many types of birds..and they were all waiting for a turn to have a bath in our waterfall and pond!

Thank you for taking a look!

See you soon!


Jewels 

Three

Day #167

What are the benefits of eating raspberries?

Red Raspberries contain strong antioxidants such as Vitamin C, quercetin and gallic acid that fight against cancer, heart and circulatory disease and age-related decline. They are high in ellagic acid, a known chemopreventative, and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

So without further ado, here are 7 science-based health benefits of natural yogurt.

• It's Rich in Important Nutrients. ...
• It's High in Protein. ...
• Some Varieties May Benefit Digestive Health. ...
• It May Strengthen Your Immune System. ...
• It May Protect Against Osteoporosis. ...
• It May Benefit Heart Health. ...
• It May Promote Weight Management.

Is milk chocolate good for you?

Even Milk Chocolate Is Good For You, According To New Study. Chocolate is good for your heart — sort of, maybe. Eating up to 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of chocolate daily is linked with lowered risks of heart disease and stroke, scientists reported today (June 15) in the journal Heart.Jun 16, 2015

Three

I have combined yogurt, raspberries and Toblerone chocolate... all these great health benefits into one dessert! 

To get great natural light, I put the bowl down on my kitchen floor near the open back door!  Then used my 55-250mm lens to get this shot!

Our dessert was delicious!

Thank you for taking a look!             Enjoy life's simple pleasures!

See  you soon!

Jewels

Crafted

Day #166

 
The earliest archaeological evidence of grape wine has been found at sites in Georgia (c. 6000 BC), Iran (c. 5000 BC), Greece (c. 4500 BC), and Sicily (c. 4000 BC), although there is earlier evidence of a wine made from fermented grapes among other fruits being consumed in China (c. 7000–5500 BC)
They believe that the discovery of wine was made by ancient peoples when they found their grapes had spoiled and fermented, creating fermented grape juice. Many believe that this is when the wine making process was invented and this is where most stories about the origins of wine begin.
Grapes are traditionally used for wine, Mead made from honey was created throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Mead was known in Europe before grape wine. 
You can also create wine from starches such as barley and rice.

We have in our own back yard, apple, rhubarb, raspberries. We have taken the juice, and with the help of a local craft wine making store we created 'The Blair Crescent Fruits" 2018. Not really a rose, more of an amber color!
This is our first attempt and we already are looking at fruit combinations to create another batch. 
 

Crafted

When I sipped this amber colored liquid, for me it was like eating a tart apple off the tree  in your neighbors back yard ( hoping you didn't want to get caught)! 

I think this bottle of wine would pair nicely with a great selection of cheeses and fresh baked French Bread!


Thank you for taking a look!

Cheers, prost!


Until next time!

Jewels

Promise

Day #165

I am home after being away for a couple of weeks. Even though the temperatures here in Prince George were high, and there are over 500 forest fires in our province..coming home is always so wonderful and a real luxury.

 (Esp. with so many communities are being evacuated) 

The sky's are filled with smoke... seeing natures beauty at home... gives us promise of better days ahead.  

 Thank you for taking a look at my blog. When traveling, be safe, keep each other safe! 

See you next time... Jewels 

Promise

Back home from Airdrie AB .

I had spent 17 days in Airdrie AB. helping my daughter paint the babies room. That included, washing walls, mudding, purchasing paint, supplies and fixtures for the bedroom. Our days were not just filled with painting, we did do a wee bit of shopping, visiting my with my son and new daughter in law and swimming in the backyard pools.

Day # 148       Pet

So, here are a collection of pictures... one for each day!  

Day #149    Shish Tawook

Day #150   Eyes

Day #151  Daddy Long Legs

Day #152    Blue Sky

 

Day #153   K is for Kennley

 

Day #154    Tragopogon

 

Day # 155  James ( Vintage)

 

Day #156 East Lake Park, Airdrie AB

 

Day #157 Writing

Day #158 Girl in Tree

Day #159  Playground

Day #160 Upside Down

Day162  Croissant

Tracey and I we had made a trip into Calgary, I found this Pastry shop, called "Butter Block". The place smelled just like Paris...It was like I was in a time warp... and yes it did taste just like Paris... 

 

Day #163   Sweet Pink (finished room)

Day #164 My View  { out my Window (B & W) }

 I flew home to Prince George,BC. This photo is taken out my plane window.. the mountains are the Coastal Mountain Range as we leave Vancouver. This is not mist we are looking at, but, Wild Fire smoke!
 I love the effect in B&W!


This was my week... we painted, we cooled off, we hung out, we shopped, we visited, and ate some more!


Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog!

See you soon!

Love, 
Jewels