Monday, August 20, 2012

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.








24 comments:

Casa Mariposa said...

Canada is so beautiful! Your trip sounds wonderful. It must be fabulous to have such a loving extended family. Glad you're back. :o)

Pam's English Garden said...

Missed you, too! Family get-togethers are so special and I'm glad you had a good time. I look forward to seeing the rest of your photos. P. x

Gardeningbren said...

I have to admit, my heart did a jump looking at the photos of the mountains. It makes me miss B.C. so much. We had someone visit from SSI here just this past week. Think it will always be home to me.

Write more!! and more photos please...and think I have your poppy. Will send seeds )))))

Rose said...

What beautiful scenery! Sounds like you had a wonderful time, not only seeing all these sights, but visiting with family most of all. I'm sure they were just as happy to see you. Looking forward to seeing more of your trip...and I do hope you get to return again to your roots.

Island Threads said...

you've been missed too, so glad you were away having a wonderful time with family and enjoying the surroundings, I'm sure you will go back again, looking forward to hearing more and welcome back, Frances

HolleyGarden said...

Looks like a fun - and gorgeous - vacation! Sometimes we just have to get away from it all. Glad you had a good trip.

The Witch said...

Glad you are back! But take your time posting so you can enjoy the best Summer here in about 10 years!!!
The nights may be getting cooler (thank god) but the weather has been great. I love the Rockies and had my first taste by winning tickets from work that anywhere Air Canada flied. I know what you mean by the beautiful blue colour. Grassy lake was absolute the most beautiful, and Johnston's Canyon I must to see.
Thanks for bringing back some great pictures and memories from the past.
I'm so glad you got to spent some quality time with family and friends.

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

I am always amazed how beautiful Canada is and how lush and green everything looks. It is wonderful to have you back and it looks like you had a wonderful vacation. I am looking forward to you sharing more of your adventure back "home". Stunning photos by the way!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Missed you too! I love your photos. I have never seen the Rockies and your photos are quite an enticement. Love the lake. It is always good to go home and have time with family. Cute picture of your and sister in law and nieces.

Jess said...

As much as I have travelled about I haven't been to BC, and its way up on the list. Its always so nice to 'go home' even when you don't live there anymore. I visit Manhattan and get this warm old sweater feeling from it because it is still so familiar after all this time.

Anonymous said...

Well, obviously, keeping in touch with your roots is critical to continued growth :-). I hope that your trip home was both relaxing and renewing. (Those mountain scenes and glacier-fed mountain lakes make my heart sing.) -Jean

Janet/Plantaliscious said...

There is something about mountains that makes the heart sing, so I understand how much you must have missed them - I hope this wasn't your last trip back there, it obviously holds a very special place in your heart. I've been to Vancouver, but no further into BC, so I will look forward to your other posts. Mind you, I always do!

ZielonaMila said...

Beautiful photographs, wonderful views. I am greeting

Kukkaiselämää said...

Outstanding views, especially mountains. We don't have any mountains in Finland, only some hills...

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Marguerite girl !
You all look so happy in that photo : ) it is a wonderful keepsake !
I understand how you feel about those amazing mountains .. many years back we drove from the east coast to Vancouver Island where my husband was posted and even though he had grown up in Kelowna and was familiar with the beautiful country surrounding those areas .. we were still in awe of how gorgeous it truly is.
Each part of Canada has its own unique qualities.
That is so great you see your gifted plants at your mom's garden : ) that would make me so happy too!
That pick poppy is a beauty .. how many seeds do you think will come of it ? hint hint ... LOL
Look forward to reading more of your posts from this fantastic vacation girl !
Joy

Marguerite said...

Brenda, I emailed you. I think we both know how hard it can be leaving one coast for the other.

Marguerite said...

The nights really are cool now aren't they? Jody keeps saying fall is on its way and I just might believe him. Although I'm sure glad to be done with the humidity.

Marguerite said...

Jess, you describe it perfectly ' warm sweater feeling' so accurately describes that feeling of seeing a place that is so loved and familiar.

Marguerite said...

they made my heart sing too :)

Marguerite said...

Janet, I don't suppose it's the last trip ever but who can say when I'll have the opportunity again. Especially the chance to drive through the mountains, that was simply a stroke of luck.

Marguerite said...

Hi Zielona and welcome to my blog!

Marguerite said...

Sadun, it's the same on the east coast of Canada where I now live. No mountains, just hills here which is fine but I do miss them.

Marguerite said...

Joy, I'll bet there's quite a bit of seed as it came originally from my mom's neighbour and has spread. When I get the seed I'm more than happy to share.

Jennifer said...

The first part of your vacation sounds wonderful. The shots of the mountains are terrific! One of these days I want to get out west.