The things you could see if you are up early

1) Why there are no cherries on our tree
2) Why the starlings can't get the cherries that I can't reach 

(that would be 99% of the cherries)
3) Why there are no cherries falling on the laundry on the clothesline
4) Why it is worth while getting up early 

Who knew that there was a family of raccoons in the 'hood? 

First, the four kits caught my eye, but soon enough I saw Mama Raccoon giving me the eye.  She let me get quite close, but was none-too-pleased with me, so I decided to back off.

Just back from Family Camp at Pioneer Pacific on Thetis Island.

At the end of the day, at camp, the tradition is to face the setting sun and sing 'Abide With Me' and 'Taps'. I love the sound of voices of three generations raised in unaccompanied song, as we gaze on a sunset like this:

- a perfect end to the day, and a prelude to a quiet night

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Day is done, gone the sun.
From the sea, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.

love raspberries

Don't you just love raspberries?  One of the benefits of a cool spring is that we are enjoying the berries now!

Out to dinner on Main Street, then over to the ball game at the Nat.

What a perfect evening for dinner, and a ball game at the Nat

 

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On the way, the remains of the Percy Norman Pool at Riley Park, in evening light, caught my eye and provided a solemn reminder of the cost of progress

highland cattle

Traveling down the single-track road on the Island of Mull, en route to Iona, a couple of summers ago, we came across this hairy friend and a herd of his siblings.  Such a majestic, strange and mighty beastie. 

Afternoon sun on an old softwood floor.

This picture was over 100 years in the making and involved drapery choices, a coat of varnish to touch up the well worn floor and being in the right place at the right time.  Besides this it involved being prepared to see beauty in unusual places.

Blooming where it would seem impossible to bloom.

I had a couple of conversations today with someone who is dealing with something quite difficult. She reminds me of this snapdragon; blooming beautifully in spite of the difficult circumstance. 

I have been watching these snapdragons blooming since early spring.  There are a few plants poking up between fence and tarmac in a back lane. They are tough tenacious and beautiful.

Thank You.