I've Missed You

It's been almost 3 weeks since I've looked at my blog and gosh I've missed you all!  I was in dire need of an extended break from life in general and I got that and then some.  Now it's time to put my affairs back in order so to speak, so please bear with me while I sort through photos and begin writing again and catch up on all of your posts that I have missed. 

The past three weeks were spent returning to my roots.  After three plus years on the east coast I finally returned to my home out west.  I am originally from British Columbia and this is my first trip back to the west coast.  It was geographically, logistically and emotionally a big trip. 

My vacation started out with a bang in Calgary, Alberta.  After a full day's travel I landed, jet lagged, but just in time for my nephew's wedding. 

The sun soaked plains of Alberta provided a tremendous background to several full days of drinking, eating and dancing.  Sitting on my sister's patio we watched hawks fly overhead and shared stories and laughter.

My sister in law, two nieces and myself on the far right.

I was fortunate to find a spare hour to visit my niece Julia's garden while in Calgary.  I wrote about Julia's garden and the permaculture movement in This Post.  It was amazing to see how, in her first year of gardening, the whole backyard had been transformed into a lush garden full of flowers and edibles.

After the fun of the wedding I headed west with my parents across the Rockies.  I was so excited to see mountains once again.  Despite the allure of the east coast it lacks the awe inspiring sights of the mountains.

The wild mountain flowers were in full bloom across the hillsides as we drove along.  Blues, yellows and reds caught my eyes.  This was a bittersweet drive, so many beautiful views to take in but not knowing if or when I'll ever return.

There is no blue I know of like the blue of the lakes in the Rocky Mountains

After our journey through the mountains we arrived in the dry desert climate of Chase, British Columbia where my parents reside.  It was a balmy 37 degrees celsius (99 Farenheit) when we drove into town.  Far hotter than the 25 degrees I'm used to on the east coast but lacking the east's thick humidity it was quite bearable.

My mother's garden requires constant irrigation in this hot climate.  Her vegetables and fruit trees would not stand a chance otherwise.  I was pleased to see some plants still alive that I had gifted to her on my departure.  A clematis blooming exuberantly, the unknown aster I had received from a friend and lupines in various shades.  I also found some flowers I coveted like this double pink poppy.

I've asked her to send me seeds when she has the chance.

And that concludes the first half of my trip.  There are more photos to review and more places to visit, not to mention a look at my own garden upon my return.  I hope you'll join me and I look forward to seeing what you have been up to during your summer.