The bounty just keeps coming

We came back to Victoria about a week ago and we have finally managed to "get all our ducks back in a row." The house and garden are back to how we like them to be (that said, Kathryn did a great job while we were away.)
We were thrilled to see that we came back to a lovely bounty of home grown veggies! This was our first big year of getting more serious about growing food, and it has been a definite success. That said, we have already seen many things we could do differently next time, and so we will keep experimenting with new and better ways.
We reworked all our beds and have done some major planting for a good winter garden. With some good fortune, we will be eating lettuce, kale, spinach, chard, pac choi, cabbage, radishes, and more throughout the winter. Victoria seems to have the perfect temperate climate for growing tasty vegetables.
Until next time...

Athletic Girl 'Lunga' from the Musical 'Africa Africa'

Athletic Girl 'Lunga' from the Musical 'Africa Africa'

Our gorgeous summer nears its end . . .

Hi there folks! We are just a few days away from returning to our lives in Victoria, and so I thought I would post some summer pictures. It has been an interesting summer with a few unusual events . . . for the most part, the pictures speak for themselves.

The West Kootenays continues to be an amazing corner of the world with stunningly gorgeous vistas and outrageously serene spaces that feel very far from the hub of humanity. We feel very fortunate to have this as an annual pilgrimage.

Kai -- our newly adolescent boy!
Pippin and Skye having a pensive moment!
We finally managed to light up or Vietnamese lanterns at the cabin this summer. They look stunning in the evenings. Great for a dinner party or a romantic evening!
Dave and Bay . . .
Dave brought out his brother John to "liven things up . . ."
Delectable Kootenay carrots grown by Sandra Wyllie . . .
Kai caught his first fish and drove his first car this summer . . .
Kai and Uncle Ken with Little Dog . . .
Sandra Wyllie in her beautifully abundant garden . . .
Skye with her fabulous Auntie Nancy . . .
Gorgeous Ian and Lizanne, the temptress . . .
Pippin, Sophie, and Alden (Pippin's second cousin, visiting from Virginia) had a little table at the local market -- they were making and selling bracelets . . .
Skye, Keira, and the Pipster . . .
We went on a stunningly beautiful hike into the alpine this year, to Idaho Peak . . . The wild flowers were out in full glory!
Laura nearing the summit of Idaho Peak . . .
Skye always thinks of these fluffy seed-heads as "Dr. Seuss Plants" . . .
Indian Paintbrush and lichen-covered branches . . .
We have a summer tradition of making peach pies -- Ronato is the Pie-Making King!Some members of Skye's Virginia family also came for a visit this year . . . a fine time was had by all!
I made a quick trip to Vancouver this year to go Cam's dad's memorial service . . .
The McRae-Piccone's leaning on each other . . .
Luca keeping me company before the memorial . . .
Just to keep us on our toes, Nancy broke her hip after a serious fall and needed hip replacement surgery. That was just the tip of the ice berg in this adventure . . .
Ken with the kids in his man cave . . . the perfect place for some fun and respite after hours at the hospital . . .
John and Bay on their 48th wedding anniversary . . .
Ken keeping Pippin in her place!
The boat ride in Robson with Uncle Ken . . .
Kai jumping off the pier at Bigelow Bay . . .
Our secret beach . . . a piece of heaven.
A dead eagle found on the beach . . .

Kai and Jae -- brothers-in-arms, entering this new realm of adolescence . . .

Chloe at her new cabin in the mountains . . .
Jubi, Katie, Rowan and Jae . . . such a lovely family!
Our last day -- saying goodbye to the Kootenays for another year . . .