Diamond T and Pick Up the Park!

It was a busy day.  It began with flowers in my own garden…

Oriental Poppy

Columbine

Orchid Frost Lamium

Peony

…and expanded to include a whole number of beautiful wild flowers.  As I type, I am thinking about the special friends who also shared this day with me.  I am so grateful!

We had a meet up at Station Flats to do the Diamond T hike, a good early conditioning hike.  Val, Cathy, Oliver and I were an eager little group.  The link provided is a 2016 map, but will be helpful if you want to know where to pull off for the trail head.

Cathy retires this year, so a little Naked Grape Blue was served at our picnic spot.

Mountain Shooting Star

 

Red Paintbrush, Orobanchacea.

Arnica, Arnica cordifolia

Purple Virgin’s Bower, Clematis verticellis

Raising the glass in celebration of Cathy’s amazing career as a teacher.  She has impacted so many people along the way.  She has a stunningly huge heart and I am blessed to call her ‘friend’.

Oliver is waving at the bottom of a very very long hill.

Canada Violets  (I LOVE THESE!)

Wild Geranium or ‘Sticky Geranium’

Canada Anemone, Anemone canadensis

I had a two p.m. meet up with the ladies at Bankside in Fish Creek Park for their annual litter pick up.  I knew I was going to be late by a bit, so sent a message to one of my sister-friends and ended up connecting without very much hassle.  I had fun sharing conversation, weather, but not much litter at all along this particular walk.  My friends are the very best for being open to fun and good times.

While we didn’t verbally acknowledge it, this day, my friend Ramona’s birthday, was a perfect celebration of the Summer Solstice.

Ox Eye Daisy

While the sky was threatening and the air very humid, I was grateful that the weather held and we made our way back to our cars.  It was magical to see a lovely bride and her wedding party making their way to the river’s edge and I’m glad that they had only the mosquitoes to contend with, but no lightening.

Happy Summer Solstice to all of my readers.

A Ya Ya Feasting Tradition

Thanks to Wendy, Rebecca and Darren for hosting yet another amazing feast to celebrate our long-time friendship and the Christmas break.  This culinary experience is a bit of a tradition and not like any ‘eat in’ dining experience that I’ve enjoyed elsewhere.

2011 saw us enjoying a Japanese Hot Pot and all of the other dishes that precede it…

Japanese Hot Pot...amazing!

Japanese Hot Pot…amazing!

Beautiful friends....awesome chefs!

Beautiful friends….awesome chefs!

Prime Rib and a most amazing tea service.  (I am only selecting a photo or two to represent the epic treat!)

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Yet another feast!  Can my readers believe the presentation?

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Here we are some time years ago, likely after being spoiled!

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And…this year…let’s face it, we’re Besties!  YEAH!

Feast Christmas Ya Yas 2015

Darren began by serving us roasted potato soup…and yes…absolutely yummy!  The most creamy delicious soup!  Unbelievable!  On the menu…

“Potato soup with micro frites and green onion. Pork rib roast studded with garlic and rubbed with rosemary, pepper flakes and salt cooked over charcoal. The pork was served over steamed asparagus on a roasted pepper reduction. With the pork, were two potato croquettes topped with sour cream and homemade grainy mustard. For dessert, there were profiteroles with some melted sugar.
The extra sauces I made were: Parsley and garlic in olive oil and salt. Home made grainy dijon mustard. Raspberry puree with balsamic vinegar. Chimichurri. Pico de gallo.
I think that’s it. Was going to make fresh bread sticks but I forgot. Next time!”

Kath's Canon, December 20 and 21, 2015 Wendy's Feast and Franks 011

Kath's Canon, December 20 and 21, 2015 Wendy's Feast and Franks 012

Kath's Canon, December 20 and 21, 2015 Wendy's Feast and Franks 013Kath's Canon, December 20 and 21, 2015 Wendy's Feast and Franks 015

The nourishment that our friends share with us is very symbolic of how we nourish one another through the laughter, the tears, the celebrations and the struggles.  To be fed by others is an act of sacrifice and of giving.  I want to thank my friends for the treasure of their giving hearts.  I appreciate the empathy and the support that you have offered me.  I also appreciate the good food and the good drink that brings us to a circle.  Grateful…always!

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And…because it’s the first anniversary of his passing and I really like this song…this.

New Cars and Sister-Friends

It is a great thing when a friend buys a new car and does it with her own research, confidence and decision-making!  Today, we all jumped in and drove to a McDonalds mere blocks away just to celebrate the drive and to buy an ice cream cone.  The experience was magical from beginning to end!