The Olympic Spirit is coming closer with each day...Sunday my mom and I went down to Stanley Park to watch the sunset and check out the Olympic Rings. The Olympic Rings are out on a barge in the harbour with the Trade and Convention Centre and the downtown area behind them. As you can see the day was a dull and cloudy afternoon and the rings were not yet lit.

A short while later we returned to watch them for awhile. The sails of the convention centre change intensity of colours.

Today, February 9th the torch came down to New Westminster Quay where I live to take a ride on the Native Paddlewheeler. Here the boat waits for the torch bearers arrival.

Just to the left centre of this picture you can see the torch burning brightly along the route.

Down the gangplank towards the boat.

The boat sailing away from the dock.

On the bow of the boat you can see that they are getting ready to pass the flame from one torch to the next.

The second torch is lit! Each bearer runs 300 yards for their turn.

Here we are on Rita's patio holding the Canadian flags; [guess who the tall one is?] These are members of my Quayside Quilting group; two are missing, Iris who was taking the picture and Brenda who couldn't make our get together today. A special part of today was it is my birthday and these lovely ladies help me celebrate it. My friend Tricia's birthday is tomorrow and Rita's was on the 31st! The other ladies in this picture are Darlene, Loraine and Mary.

Signs of spring are rapidly approaching the snowdrops are starting to open their petals. This is a needle case and sewing box I made for some friends this year. The pin cushion is held on top of the box. I gave two of the boxes [painted in different colours] as a Christmas present and one as a birthday present. The needle cases I gave to a quilting group I belong to as small Christmas gifts.

The witch hazel is dressed up with raindrops today.

The pink winter flowering forsythia is in full bloom and smells amazing..I wish I could share the scent with you.

Although the day is grey, lots of colour is seen in the flowers.

I love the lone crocus trying to blend in with the snowdrops.

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics are just around the corner...but Spring is making an early arrival! The weather has turned warmer the past week; in fact we broke a few high temperature records lately. The yellow witch hazel has exploded in blooms. Last year there was snow on the ground and I could get closer to this plant. This year all sorts of bulbs are starting to poke their leaves through the ground.

Snow drops are starting to bloom in the warm weather.

The orange witch hazel is covered with blossoms.

Looking up the Fraser River you can see first the sky train bridge, then the Pattulo Bridge and beyond a train bridge. The mountains in the background were covered with some fresh snow.

This group of blossoms make me think of orange spider crabs.

Crocuses are starting to bloom.

One of the Rhododendrons was cut down and the underlying moss makes it look like tree trunks have been clear cut!

This Rhododendron is making an early flowering..sometimes it will bloom twice in a year.

Even a few of the roses haven't figured out it is winter and are still putting forth buds.

This purple crocus couldn't wait to bloom...look how close the blossom is to the ground!

The pink winter flowering forsythia is so delicate and fragrant. Time will tell if it will get another covering of snow before Spring makes its arrival.

Merry Christmas to all. These are the only snowflakes in sight this year. This tree is a favourite of mine.

This guy is a tree with snowballs for decoration and wishing Winter Greetings.

Happy Christmas Eve...what a difference a year can make. This evening I took this picture of a glorious sunset from my balcony. As you can see the sky is clear, not a flake of snow to be seen. The air is crisp and clear. Last year the days started a little bit different from almost the same spot on my balcony...the snow was coming.

The same view at almost the same time one year later, what a difference! But wait, what will tomorrow bring? Merry Christmas everyone, may you spend it with friends and family and receive some lovely gifts.

Saturday I noticed that ice was forming on our pond. It's so dark when I arrive home I hadn't noticed it forming. This little stream also feeds into the lower pond and you can see the ice forming around the rocks.

I made this arched attic windows quilt several years ago. The designer is Jacque J. Holmes. It is made with black and white fabrics only. I call it "A Winter's View", it was challenging to make but I like the effect a lot.

Here is my current winter view. The snow started falling this afternoon and is gradually accumulating in our courtyard. Our walks have all been salted.

The beauty berry looks delicate in the snow.

The new shoots are already forming for next year.

Definitely a glimpse of more to come. It is quite cold and blustery along the river's edge.

The roses are trying so hard to hang in for a few more days.

This little palm is already covered in the snow.

The side stream rocks are covered with snow and more ice has formed on the lower pond.

My door welcomes you to the wintry season almost upon us.

Frosty Saturday morning brings a chilly walk along the quay looking at berries and frost covered flowers. The calendar changed from rainy November to cold crisp December. We're 6 for 6 for sunny days this month! Beauty berries are actually quite a small delicate berry. I managed to catch these ones with some sun shining on them for a change.

These winter pansies are living up to their name, covered in frost but putting on a pretty show.

The sun was just starting to creep into this raised bed of plants

This pansy has found the warmth of the sun and the frost is slowly melting.I'm not sure what type of berries these are, but they are a very deep black colour.

This bunch of rose hips stand out amongst the dying leaves.

This pincushion daisy is bearing up well against the frosty morning.

A bird's nest abandoned for the year, but brings hope for spring.

This hydrangea has dried on the bush and is still full of colour.