A couple weeks ago I woke up to sunshine blasting through the bedroom blinds and said to my husband, "It never rains in this city." The words had scarcely left my lips before the city thunder-rumbled in reply, "Oh, you silly newcomer. You have no idea what I am capable of. Hold my beer." I… Continue reading Never Say Never
Category: Nature
Return of the Pelicans…Right on Time!
We moved into our house a year ago this week. We unpacked for a few days before venturing outside to check out the walking trails. We were gobsmacked to come across a pair of pelicans on the river. We had never seen any in real life before. A couple of people came by and casually… Continue reading Return of the Pelicans…Right on Time!
Climb every mountain! Or failing that, a small hill will do.
Today I climbed a steep hill onto a ridge that overlooks part of the Bow River valley that cuts through Calgary. I eyed the hill up several times over the winter, but always chickened out. I kept picturing myself losing my footing on an icy patch and rolling down the embankment, my sorry carcass coming… Continue reading Climb every mountain! Or failing that, a small hill will do.
Spring Snow!
Yesterday the grass was greening up, crocuses were blooming and leaf buds were swelling. Then this morning we awoke to this... I had planned on a long walk across the park to meet up with my husband and catch a ride back to our house in the early afternoon. You can't blame me for hesitating,… Continue reading Spring Snow!
Public Bird Feeders
Last spring Calgary was named as an official Bird Friendly City, complete with certification from Nature Canada. There is no doubt that Calgarians love their birds. And birds love Calgary. Last winter I came across some baskets of seed in Sandy Beach Park, that were wired to tree branches and continuously replenished by an anonymous… Continue reading Public Bird Feeders
A Most Exquisite Tree
Whenever my father was presented with a gift and he wasn't quite sure of its purpose, he would jokingly exclaim, "Most exquisite! What in the dickens is it?" This catchphrase comes to mind every time I come across a small dead tree heavily decorated with socks and ornaments. I am not sure what it symbolizes… Continue reading A Most Exquisite Tree
Growing Kindness (and tomatoes!) in Community
Sometimes just the right quote, story, poem or anecdote comes along that perfectly speaks to your season of life. I recently stumbled across a poem by Sam Walter Foss titled The House by the Side of the Road that spoke to mine. The House by the Side of the Road THERE are hermit souls that live withdrawn in the… Continue reading Growing Kindness (and tomatoes!) in Community
Sowing Seeds of Kindness
We recently moved to a place where Canada geese reside year around. This is amazing to me. Where I used to live the geese bookmarked the summer season, arriving in the spring and departing in the fall. Their arrival and departures were fodder for coffee talk. "I heard a flock geese arrive last night!" we… Continue reading Sowing Seeds of Kindness
It’s The Little Things
The restorative part of my walks are almost always found in the little things. We can think our lives lack meaning, but the smallest of exchanges can make the biggest difference. Just the exchange of friendly smiles and hellos as I pass strangers on the pathways lift my spirits. Such a small thing, but to… Continue reading It’s The Little Things
Growing Small, Growing Happy 