Sailing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver

Spirit of Vancouver Island

Ferry.

No photos but we saw orcas and one put on a great show. 

It was nice seeing them in the expansive wild. 

The ferry has about 4 types of dining available. 

One is a lounge with great seating for viewing off the stern. 

They have staterooms. I'm not sure why you'd need one for a less than 2 hour sail though. 

My favorite wing of the museum. Victoria BC

The totems which were purchased 

In The 1800's I believe.

 The long houses of cedar where 

the native people lived. 

Beautiful blanket made for the chief 

to wear on certain occasions. 

Oysters at Pescatores last night, walking and shopping today

Tapas at the Tapas bar.

 Creme brûlée in 3 flavors. 

Searching for an art gallery we love. 

If it's still here. 

Admitting to going into a mall looking for a store that carries the Canada Goose Mystique Parka. Only two stores here carry Canada Goose though. 

Malls. Interesting to see occasionally. 

But I'm not a mall person or a big shopper. 

Art work is my preference. 

First Stop Victoria

The Empress, for a few nights...

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

The Parliament all lit up!

Fun being had by all...:-)

Snohomish for evening shopping , and a swan landed in town!

A nice pub

The swan landed and was hit by cars but 

After being dazed a bit managed to take off

Over the river. 

He's a huge bird!!

Cute

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas.

Adventures as usual we have planned...

More on that at a later date. 

My Alaska friends, especially North Pole reader etc. will be on stand by I see. 

Winter is Here

It's icy cold here. 

The little Anna hummingbirds need their feeders bubble packed. And the season calls for hearty soups. 

Quilt making, buying, selling...

Pink roses to decorate the tree this year. 

Snow in the snow country ..

The Colors of Christmas

Poinsettias at Molbaks Nursery

In over 20 varieties

And the lingering mums dressed in 

Subdued colors, reveal a beauty that 

only comes with age, and finishing. 

All of life, is beauty, in different forms,

If we create a place to honor it. 

I've nurtured them as far as they can go ...

The mums in the garden persevere even 

with very low freezing temps. But indoors 

they're run their course now..

A new mandala..

Last days as mums fade away ..

Long lasting beauty..

My beach

Mums begin bright and tone down to pastel hues

Careful management of flowers, cool temps

And life extends into December. 

Cutting stems facilitates longevity. 

Cleaning vases and changing water also helps. 

They love being noticed too!!

Saved from the freeze, these drops of sunshine.