Monday, September 26, 2011

Menacing Autumn Winds

THE BLUSTERY WEATHER this weekend put me in a mood to display my plastic Halloween pumpkin. Each year I notice a wickedness behind its carved out grin. Autumn has definitely hit its stride in southwest BC.

The hardy chrysanthemums or mums unfurled from their summer's sleep.

My windsock swam the windy waves, trying to escape its strings.

The breeze ripped leaves from trees during my walk … some were in the prime of life.

At Kwomais Point Park the bay was agitated and restless.

Dry leaves were swept into small bundles by a fence in the park.

The bench was empty ...

of the usual onlookers.

The clouds were beautifully unfettered and free.

When I repeated my walk later that evening, I found sunset gold piercing the gray shaded sky. Although fall is my favorite time of year, it does contain rage within its vivid crispness and silver linings. The menacing weather reminded me of anger and how it nestles in the season of pumpkins and smiles.

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Monday, September 19, 2011

Stewart Farmhouse On A Rainy Day

IMAGES OF STEAMING hot cups of tea, a crackling wood fire and sweetly scented baked apples came to mind when visiting the Stewart Farmhouse in South Surrey, BC, last week. The heritage home is the perfect escape on a cold blustery day in my world.

Old lace decorating the windows is reminiscent of the curtains our great grandmothers might have crocheted. From furniture to cutlery, the 1890 - 1920 decor illustrates an era when physical labor was intense, workmanship exact and social life genteel.

The house located in the Elgin Heritage Park properties grew in disrepair over the years and needed a complete makeover. Thankfully the restoration was careful to duplicate its original beauty and simple country charm.

I wanted to explore the surrounding gardens and buildings as well as the waterway that flows near the backyard of this lovely home.

Beyond cover of the porch, I could see raindrops were starting to fall.

The welcoming guide in period costume graciously offered me an umbrella.

I gladly took it as the drizzle was fast becoming a downpour.

A soaked fly (click on photo for detail) flew under the umbrella to dry off. It kept me company for the entire walk.

Flowers seemed grateful for the dousing as they had experienced a dry spell.

It was nice to see this bent and mossy fruit tree was still producing apples.

A peek inside an adjacent building (Stewart Hall) that also serves as a museum on the grounds showed a delightful hand painted photograph of children under a blossoming tree.

The building also housed unique magic lantern slides with original art painted on each glass disc.

Magic lanterns are the earliest form of slide projection, illuminated first by candles, then kerosene and later electric light. By the mid-19th century, hand painted photographs were projected onto screens. The exhibit runs until November 6th and shows how Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) used slides depicting scenery and lush agriculture to entice tourism and immigration.

A rowing club also operates at the park site where colorful boats were at rest.

It looked as if this vessel at Ward's Marina (also at the site) was being repaired ...

while others lounged on the Nicomekl River waiting for owners to hoist their sails.

The water was a tranquil silver sheen in the rain.

Soon the sun would break through and recreational boaters would float along the river. Meanwhile, I could not envision a more pleasant excursion on a rainy day than to explore the house and its surrounding exhibits that are often accompanied by demonstrations. As the only intact farm unit left in Surrey from the late 19th century, it provides a precious window into the past.

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Monday, September 12, 2011

Floating Windows With A View

ENTHRALLED BY THE SCENERY, my husband was enjoying the view while I took photographs from the BC Ferry windows.

We were leaving Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to visit family in Sechelt this past August.

The sun gave sparkle to the Howe Sound and Georgia Strait waters. Sky reflections painted the sea a deep blue.

Patterns formed around rugged and evergreen rich islands.

A winding path trailed behind us as we sped to our destination.

Foam rippled and churned as the vessel pushed its way forward.

The forty minute trip passed quickly and soon our ship reached the Langdale shore from where we drove to Sechelt.

Along the road, there were windowless places where people waiting for buses could watch a flow of vehicles go by that had come off the ferry.

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Fingerpainting In The Sky

THE EVENING was mostly a blank sheet of blue sky shared by the moon and setting sun recently over Kwomais Point Park.

As the sun descended on the horizon, a colorful palette emerged as though a celestial fingerpainter swept golden hues and charcoal grays over the scene.

The picture darkened ...

and swirling clouds were sent adrift as if by an artist's hand.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

There are more skies to view from around the globe at Skywatch.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Downtown & In Step With Stephanie

IT WAS A SPECIAL occasion hanging out with Stephanie from Comox, BC. We normally communicate only on our blogs. But when she came into Vancouver for a holiday this past August, it gave us a chance to finally meet in person.

I arrived at the designated Granville Island restaurant early. So I passed the time by taking a few pictures in and around the nearby pond.

There was quite a crowd gathering.

It was entertaining to watch wildlife enjoy the morning air and dip into the cool refreshing water.

This lovely duck seemed to be snoozing with half an eye open.

A turtle the size of a football seemed to have lost its way. It inched along a path littered with cigarette butts.

I was glad to get some shots of its indestructible armor that gleamed in the sunlight as it methodically headed for cover of the vines.

Highrise apartments stood shoulder to shoulder overlooking natural wonders in and around the Granville Island/False Creek area.

The view offers stunning boating scenes and is awash year round with visitors from near and far.

When Stephanie arrived at Pedro's Organic Coffee House I recognized her instantly even without her signature sunglasses. It was like greeting an old friend as I have been following her blog since I started mine almost three years ago. I was first intrigued when she posted her painting of a little girl with an umbrella. Of course, it made me think of Penelope.

After Stephanie bought art supplies at the Opus store nearby, we began to explore. Roses were amid a sea of flowers at the Public Market.

Stephanie and I were both charmed by these unique protea blooms. They reminded me of sea sponges. As it turns out it is an exotic flower possibly imported from Hawaii.

A pretty girl with an unshakable smile swiftly moved her fingers along the violin she played exquisitely for passersby.

Although the inukshuk is a common sight, this rather large one lurking in a corner caught me by surprise.

I found reminders of coming autumn within the colorful squashes.

I could have chosen a tempting peach. But of all the delights I purchased a polished green avocado (no picture taken). It looked gorgeous on the outside but when I got home I found it was gray and spoiled under the skin. Yuck!

There were cases of yummy Canadian Maple Syrup.

Mouthwatering treats were everywhere to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Everything looked delicious as we strolled and chatted along the way. But the best treat was walking alongside Stephanie and getting to know the friendly and creative person behind the photographs, artwork and sunglasses.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.