Saturday Country Market

It was market day on Saturday in our little rural community of North Saanich and was another warm and summery day where locals gathered to chat with one another and sample some tasty treats. There were tables of fresh and locally grown vegetables, breads and pastries, fruits and assorted hand-made crafts, flowers and so much more. Children played nearby and a local folk musician sang tunes. I bought a few cloves of fresh garlic and my daughter enjoyed a freshly baked blueberry tart. A rather enjoyable start to our Saturday morning.

Local Artisan

Freshly Baked Goodies

Blueberry Tart

Locally Grown Produce

Honey Bees

My Red Helmet

Well, I have been busy these past few weeks. Here I am again. On Sunday, August 16th, Richard and I ventured off to Victoria on the motorcycle - we had such a wonderful time. I was able to finally wear my new red motorcycle helmet! It was a red car day too at the Oak Bay vintage car show. Of course, there were many styles and colours of cars on display that day. The weather was ideal for such an occasion and the sun glistened and sparkled upon rows of chrome and polished hoods. Music of the fifties was playing in the background, imitation Elvis was swinging away upon his little platform - while some onlookers tapped a foot or two and others took full swing on the paved dance floor. We walked by all the various events and 'ooed and awwed' our way past rows of vintage cars. I had visions of Richard and I driving off in the Aston Martin. I guess a few photos of this dream car would have to do! We snuck into the Penny Farthing Pub for a refreshing pint on that warm and fine afternoon. Here are a few 'red' cars from that Sunday. To see more styles and colours, please view the slideshow by clicking on Betty Boop.
Thank you for viewing!

Market Days

Thursday is market day in our busy little town during the summer months. I thought it would be a good occasion to soak in some of the summer cheer and take a few snaps of the event for my journal. It was warm and busy. I stopped at a few of my favourite kiosks and browsed by the various vegetable stands and jewellery tables; there were bright and colourful children's clothing and toys; books, music, a fortune-teller and some very enticing aromas as I passed by the food stalls. My favourite fragrance came from the bundles of lavender for sale. It was difficult to not want to nibble the various cheeses and food samples! Here are a few pictures from Thursday and there is also a quick slide-show on the side. I wanted to include this section under "Summer Markets and Flower Stands" but will give it its own posting here.

"Saltspring Lavender"

Rings and Things - from "Sublime Design"

Flower Stand

New Hats! - from "Bellabug"

Cotton Candy

Fresh Flowers

Summer Colour

This time of year is so beautiful and I always feel so happy and inspired by the warm weather and the outdoors - everything seems so alive and vibrant. There is a wide spectrum of colour around us in nature, all the time - our trees during Spring, Fall and Winter, the dark blue and green ocean, an evening sky, a walk through the woods, and SO much more - if the eye can see it! I put together a few of my own favourite colours which have been inspired by my environment - to add a bit of splash for today's post!

"Odds and Ends" on My World Tuesday

Well it's Tuesday again on Vancouver Island.....where did the week go? I have not had a chance to snap any exciting photos since last Tuesday, so I have dug out a few "odds and ends" from around the area. My best wishes to everyone! Click here to visit other sites from around the world.

Totem Pole (Quadra Island)

Beautiful Old Growth on Hornby Island

Hornby Island Local Pub - notice the lawn-mower on roof!

Forest Man

"Buckley" - out shopping

Driftwood Maiden (in garden)

Summer Markets and Flower Stands

It wouldn't be summer without flower stands and outdoor markets. Here are a couple of 'snappy' organic Swiss Chard and kale pics - two of my favourite vegetables - and other delectables. I will add a few pictures, a story (or two) and maybe even a recipe over the next two weeks. We are fortunate that we can walk to these wonderful stands to buy fresh vegetables every day. We also grow these in our garden but recently had a visit from a family of hungry rabbits....

Local Organic Carrots

Swiss Chard

My World Tuesday on Vancouver Island

It is July 7th - summer time! The weather has been fabulous these past few weeks, it has been warm and suuny. Today, Tuesday, it is cooler and we may expect some rain, much needed at this time of year for our forests and gardens. We live on beautiful Vancouver island where we are surrounded by ocean and mountain vistas, lakes and forests. I will include a few photos taken on the island and surrounding area.
Click here for other glimpses around the world.

Water Bomber, Sproat Lake

View at Sproat Lake

Beach on Savary Island

Rogers Pass

Pender Harbour, Sunshine Coast

Quadra Island

Kimberley