For Marie. A cliff or two to choose

I haven't posted anything for a long time. Took lots of pictures, but I did not feel to continue with my blog. Friends get pictures sent by email. I don't do Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Too much drama apparently. I have accounts, but I don't post anything. Because I am 'old-fashioned'. If people don't talk to me in person or on the phone on a regular basis, they are not 'my friends'. And they don't need to know what I am doing. Period.  Makes life so much easier. If I would have a business it would be different. 

It is way more pleasant to read other people's interesting blogs. Like Marie's incredible "66squarefeet+food". Today's post made me laugh and cry at the same time. She is looking for a cliff... she wants to 'lemming'... Good, I thought, I can offer one. Just in case. Maybe other people come with you to Vancouver Island, to jump when things get worse.

Here is the cliff I can offer you, Marie.
Clean water, incredible air quality. It does not appear to be very high, but it is. 

The guarding creatures are always there

I think more posts will come now, haven't been in here for a while. Daisy - my new dog - might be the subject of some posts in the next future.

Daisy - or "KissyFace" - 5 1/2 pound - Chihuahua/CairnTerrier Cross

Foggy morning changed into an incredible sunrise.

It was mid January 2016, I was on an early walk with my little 'new' dog, around 8 am. Quiet, peaceful, and very foggy. The sun came up slowly, and all of a sudden it was like a fireball in front of me.

Fortunately, most of the time I carry one of my cameras with me.

my love for sunrises

I hope that I will never ever get tired of taking pictures of sunrises. Or tired of looking at these pictures. There is hardly anything more peaceful for me than watching the slow rise of the sun, and the silence, combined with the quiet sound of the waves.

It makes me forget everything. Literally everything. Just soak in the moment, breathe the salty air, close your eyes and listen to the soft waves landing on the fine gravel.

Departure Bay - March 07, 2015 - 7 am

Departure Bay - March 07, 2015 - 7 am

Departure Bay - September 09, 2014 - 8 am

Impressions 01

Exactly one year ago, February 26th, 2014 - 7 am
Beban Dog Park
Fortunately, no snow so far this year

I always carry a camera with me. And sometimes I am walking around if I would be a tourist. Or I drive in my car and something catches my eye, I park the vehicle, grab the camera and go.

Being curious and alert at the same time can give you excellent captures.

For example I love early morning walks. I have experienced the most incredible sun rises at the beach, at 6 am. Not planned, just a spontaneous idea while getting ready for a morning walk with the dog.

sunrise at Pipers Lagoon

Fortunately my favorite beach is just a 15-minute-drive away. 

I don't live in a big city, AND on an island. Who ever lived in a big city may feel a bit lost here. Sometimes. Whatever special wishes and needs you might have, you have to order online. And wait for it, most of the time for weeks.

But, when I look at my archive of pictures, I know that it is worth living here.

Please, be my guest and enjoy the first random selection of 'snapshots'. 
Feedback is always appreciated and welcome.

Pipers Lagoon Beach. Arbutus tree. Dark sand

Buttertubs Marsh - Bird Sanctuary. A 3-minute walk away from my home.
The whole way around is approximately 2,5 km. No dogs and no bicycles allowed.

Buttertubs Marsh - Bird Sanctuary. Just around the corner

Buttertubs Marsh - Sunset

Pipers Lagoon, facing the mainland

Pipers Lagoon, this is 'the REAL lagoon'

View towards the Town of Ladysmith

mixed parking

somebody fed the wood stove

one Blue Jay

3 Blue Jays. Almost too much noise.

Crocuses (croci)

Blue Heron in Bowen Park

Title, anyone? I would say: the end of a new beginning...

Art at the Waterfront Park (let's call it "creepy encounter")

Amazing Hummingbirds - Winter 2014/2015

Hummingbird with its see-through wings, December 26th, 2014

Hummingbird on December 26th, 2014

Hummingbird on January 7th, 2015, I just filled the feeder with lukewarm nectar -
Mr. Bird appeared instantly after I hung it up, the temperature was pretty cool on this day.

Pictures like these sometimes make me want to cry. From happiness. How lucky am I to watch these tiny little birds day after day. The yellow 'blossom-thingies' are caps of milk bottles. Now you know the true size of the bird. 

For years already I keep the feeder full over winter. I live in a top-floor corner condo/3rd floor with a big cedar tree right besides the balcony, and every year a few of these beautiful creatures build their nests in it. The feeder/s (during the summer 2 or 3) are hanging right above the table. 
The birds allow me to sit there, have my breakfast and watch them hovering above my head. 

Sometimes, when I'm moving too much around, they sit on a branch around a yard away from my face and watch me. 

... and there was Fritz (2001 - 2014) at his 'outdoor office'. 
He ignored the birds and they did the same with him. Perfect.

The roll-up blinds are usually down during the extremely hot and sunny afternoons -
but the birds know how to find their wayto the sweet magic juice.

November 09, 2014
snapshot from a video

A peaceful April evening, around 8 pm

well... somehow I have to start....

Approximately 3 years ago I created this blog, without posting anything. I have some favorite blogs I kind of follow, they are interestingly all on 'blogspot.ca'. So, I thought, why not make my own blog, here.

Yeah, right! It is much easier peeking into other people's blogs than writing your own.

Not that I have nothing to say, I am just not a very experienced writer, except in my journals.

But writing a blog? erm...

I have to practice. Making an appealing blog is my approach, I have lots to give, to talk about and lots to show.

My blog will be - most likely - a bit confusing at the beginning. But, please, forgive me, I am in the phase of 'trying out'. Practicing for a very important blog in the near future. 

Ok now, let's do 'this blog thing'.

What to begin with?

Ah, I know. The weather this afternoon was INCREDIBLE! I grabbed my camera and had a stroll
down at the waterfront, to the pier and the Boat Basin, where I met an adorable otter, enjoying the sunshine just like me. The only difference: I didn't dare rolling around on the planks. 

Thanks to everybody who visits my blog and gives me some feedback or suggestions.

The otter caught in the act

Who is watching me here?

I know... I'm so cute, ain't I?

You won't take a picture of me?

O.M.G. ! She did it, I'm gonna be on the internet!

Well, maybe it won't be that bad?

OK! I'm in. Wanna more pics?

Dzzz, women. Whatever... I'm busy, have to visit the other pier

Boat Basin, Nanaimo Harbour, BC

The "Long Shot II" from Vancouver, BC

breathtaking view from the pier

something for everyone:  trees for the dogs, benches for the people