In the Woods - Mosaic Monday

It has been one week since I last posted to my journal. We have had some serious rainfall these past few days on the west coast and experienced a rather exciting lightning storm on Friday evening - lots of activity in our sky lately. I rather enjoyed watching the storm - with some trepidation - but was happy to be indoors. Our poor little cat was tightly curled up under our dining room table, nestled securely on her favourite pillow - she did not enjoy the storm!

The skies cleared enough on Sunday that we were able to get outside and explore the little forest park which is a minute's walk from our property. There are many trails that meander through the park and which lead this way....and that way....up hills.....and down hills. There is a marvelous view from the top of the hill, where one can sit and look down upon Gary oaks and evergreen trees, the town of Sidney and the Patricia Bay inlet and the outer islands. The park is very typical of our west coast with ferns, cedars, arbutus, firs and abundant plant life with wildflowers that are quite impressive during the early Spring; also, for mushroom fans, it is a photographer's paradise. I admit that I am a little squeamish around fungi but am impressed by the variety of shapes, sizes and colours of mushrooms that seem to grow in the oddest of places. I love the wispy fairy-like lichen that hangs from fine branches and the emerald green moss that coats bare branches. I have a few photos that I will post for this journal entry. My intention was to take photos of pine cones and cedar boughs as we are nearing the Christmas season. The scent of cedar in the woods and the colours of the trees and natural vegetation fills me with such a wonderful 'Christmassy' feeling - the spirit of Christmas becomes so alive to me in such a natural environment.

Please check out the Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

Here is a recipe I would like to share which comes from the CBC radio (All Points West), hosted by Jo-Ann Roberts with her special guest Troy Townsin. Every Monday afternoon I eagerly listen for his new recipes (I am usually in the midst of driving home so cannot write them down - fortunately their website has all of Troy's recipes which are printable).

Walnut and Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Chardonnay Butter
(from Troy Townsin) - click here for printable recipe

Thank you for viewing! Michelle

The Arbutus sheds its red bark to reveal smooth texture underneath
click link here to read about the Arbutus tree