Sunday 24 July 2011

The difference a week can make!

Summer has arrived this weekend just in time for Fraser fest.  Yesterday the bees were busy with all the sunshine and warm weather.
 A gentleman fishing along the Fraser.
 Our newly painted condo.
 Some very busy bees in amongst the Shasta Daisies.
 Today is the working boat parade.  I heard the horn of one of the boats and caught this picture off my balcony and then went down to the river.

They like coming up close and playing with the spectators.

 The small turquoise tug is flying a jolly roger and the paddle wheeler is taking folks out for a scenic trip.
 Another jolly roger, usually just one boat flies the pirate's flag.
 I wonder who is getting the wettest?
 A test of strength from two equal tugs.
 A view of the Pattulo bridge in the distance and the skytrain bridge for rapid transit in the foreground.  I caught a bit of the Samson VI paddle wheeler at the left.
 Still at it, who will give up?
Glad to have the sun shining and warmer weather finally upon us.

Sunday 17 July 2011

Summer in a westcoast rainforest

Yesterday I went for a walk in the rain...the question is what month is it?  July or November?  Yes it was July 16th but the rain was more typical of our November rainfalls.
 The Fraser River has been running very high due to the heavy snow pack we had last winter.
 Tugs have had a challenging time pulling barges up the river...they wiped out the swing span that is 100 years old across this stretch.  It has taken time to clear the barge, it's load and not take the span away for repair.  The trains have been silent for quite a stretch.
 But the succulents are enjoying the wetter cooler weather.
 Their flowers are almost neon in colour and so delicate.
 The fine hairs help hold the droplets.
 I love the colour of this flowering tree.
 This peony is a bit worse for wear, it's outer petals have fallen revealing a feathery centre.
 The marigolds are enjoying the wet days.
 What a lovely contrast of colours.
Here's hoping to some warmer, summer weather soon!

Sunday 3 July 2011

Update on Debbie's Wool Crazy Pincushion

Hi, remember the friends that did the wool crazy round robin with me last fall?  Well Debbie has finished off the piece that you last saw below.

 She decided to remove some of the buttons that she had originally on her piece and add some wool work.  She then made it into a very large pincushion that she stuffed with fiber fill and then around the outside crushed walnut shells to make it not too heavy.
 Here is a closer look at her section.
 Ethel did the witch on the broomstick.
 Sandi did the witch's boot with candy corn, crow and spider.
I added the skeleton tree, black cat along with the crescent moon pumpkin.  It is a lovely piece that I'm sure she will enjoy for many years to come.
Nice to see the finished project Debbie!