red / pink

Last summer's belles of the (hanging) basket

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Thursday Challenge

Next week: SIGNS (Commercial, Traffic, Funny,...) 

photography

Self-portrait

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Thursday Challenge

Next Week: RED (Things that are red/pink,...)

originals at original joe's

Hubby and I experienced a first today. We were the first customers at the new Original Joe's that opened at 12 noon in our neighbourhood.  (They even took our photo.)

The decor is bright and modern with clean lines and rich colors. 

I noticed the feature wall and snapped a picture. The owner came over and explained that the framed photos on it were taken in the community. And so now I'm going to be on the lookout for the where they're from. 

 Hubby ordered the burger, I the quesadilla (chipotle quesadilla with side salad of greens, dried cranberries and almond slices.) Yum!

We decided to go the distance and even have dessert. My tip: leave room for this luscious mud pie (with mocha). Double yum!! 

It's the first Original Joe's we've ever been to and we'll be back!

Valentine week in photos

"All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole." -Hal Borland

Last Sunday was a stellar weather day. It was also the birthday of my sis and brother (twins). Brother lives halfway across the country but sis is nearby so we took her out for lunch then went for a walk at Crescent Beach.

 She showed off her plot in the community garden. The bottom photo is of kale, growing in a nearby bed. I thought it was stunning with its variegated coloring and fuchsia ribs.

Eagle sightings were good on Sunday. This eagle gallery is really only two birds. The mature bald eagle was obviously on the alert judging by how often he turned his head.  A little farther down the path, we saw a juvenile eagle, looking very hip and casual in tattery feathers.

Monday brought more signs of spring. These crocuses look ready to pop the minute they get some warmth and sun.
 

And how about this Valentine dessert hubby and I shared it at the end of our date on Thursday. It was the last course of a luscious Italian meal.

On our walk this morning we passed these Pine Siskins, all excited about their topped-up feeder.

All in all, it's been a photogenic week!

snow that's a sign of spring

While the east is digging out from under their latest storm,  here on the west coast we're inching noticeably toward spring.

On our Thursday walk, I snapped these catkins.

When we got home, I checked my own garden for signs of life and sure enough... little bulblings are sneaking their snouts through the soil and pine needles.

Then yesterday I caught sight of the surest sign of spring yet—the first flowers. These snowdrops are so white my camera could hardly handle the glare.

I love it!!

best of 2012

The Thursday Challenge prompt this week is to share a photo or event we liked best in  2012.

I thought immediately of our holiday to Salt Spring and Vancouver Islands in August. That was an exciting time for my camera. Here are some shots that help me relive those magical two weeks.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

Ganges Harbor - Salt Spring Island, B.C. 

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

Tasty bread- Salt Spring Island Bread Co.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

 Goat Cheese - Salt Spring Island Cheese Co.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

 Beachcombing.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

Inner Harbor walk - Victoria, B.C.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

 View from the Cow Bay pier, in Cowichan Bay, B.C.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

Rock face at low tide - China Beach, Vancouver Island (between Port Renfrew and Sooke)

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

Kinsol Trestle

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Check out this week's Thursday Challenge to see other favorites of 2012

Next Week: ROUND (Moon, Building, Wheels, Fruit,...)

guess who's back!

Red-winged blackbird, heard, then seen on our walk this morning!

His call is the harbinger of spring.