The New Year Begins

2016 is a new adventure. I have regained inspiration after a few months of focus on other things. I am no longer tied to the world of working to make a living. What kind of living lies ahead? 

A road trip on the first day of this new life is a good start. The snow in the cedars and slim white birches with rolling hills in the background provided a truely Canadian winter scene as we travelled the iconic highway 7 to Ottawa. The road of the pioneers cutting through the rocks that mark the end of arable land. The miners fared better than the farmers north of this road. A toast to the new year at the Chateau Laurier Hotel followed by a magical light show on the Parliament buildings was a perfect end to the day. 

The elegant Chateau Laurier Hotel

Light show on the   Parliament Buildings

 

The Birds are changing

Nature is starting to prepare for the winter ahead the lively little goldfinches who have entertained me at the feeder have list their vibrant yellow hue so they can hide in the trees. The gardens are yellowing though the zucchini is hanging on! A wonderful evening chatting and laughing with an good friend reminds me of the importance of connection. The evening on King West where all the young city folks hang out was revitalizing.  

The Date is Set

December 31, 2015. My retirement from work is scheduled. Feels odd after preparing for a career since starting kindergarten at age 4. Almost 60 years! I wouldn't have missed a moment but am now ready to leave the jobs for the younger folk and focus on enjoying the world around me and spend time immersed in creative pastimes. I enjoyed a weekend at the cabin practicing the way of life to come. 

The last swim of summer ?

Cool nights at the cabin but the water still beckons. The farms stands on the highways are full of bright pumpkins waiting for the celebrations of the harvest. My workshop kept me busy with preparations for the upcoming jewellery sales. A lovely weekend!

The last rose of summer

September is slipping away with blasts of summer heat during the day. The cooling nights remind me of crisp autumn weather to come. At last I am emerging from my preoccupation with an intense period at work and can lift my head to look at the wonder of the world around me. I see the children back at school full of excitement for the reunion with friends and anticipation of the mystery of the year ahead. The blooms on the fall flowers vibrant next to the seed heads of the summer glory. Sedum, cleome and dancing cosmos. The wood at the cabin is stacked to dry for future fires. An Emmylou Harris concert last night at the iconic Massey Hall was a reminder of the enduring power of music and creativity. 

September

September is here with the stores full of school supplies and wooly sweaters even though it is so hot out that we stay on the house with air conditioning. The garden coleus and ornamental cabbage are giving hints of the glory to come. The mountain ash heavy with berries attracts the birds. The fall cooking continues with three batches of spicy tomato sauce that wi bring memories of the summer heat when winter arrives. 

The weekend at last

My energy was consumed by a busy work week so inspirations were saved for Friday night. As always, the weekly garden tour with champagne helped to me to relax and renew. As summer draws to a close, the quality of the light is changing as the sun gets lower in the evening. The clouds were spectacular as they moved across the sun. The garden is abundant with the crops of carrots and beets ready to dig. And of course the zucchini is plentiful!