Halloween walk

An afternoon walk on October 31st introduced me to several of Langley City's inhabitants. 

My first stop was at Penny Pincher Thrift store to examine the volunteers' costumes.

They were entertaining each other while sorting through

the huge mounds of donated clothing.

As I carried on down the sidewalk I greeted Mike, our resident street artist. He began quizzing me about Christmas with questions like "Do you celebrate Christmas?" and "Do you put up decorations?" I replied that we "sort of" celebrated Christmas and that we do not put up decorations anymore. He seemed distressed with this news and handed me one of his paintings to decorate our home!

"You guys are always so supportive!" he exclaimed..."I want you to have one of my paintings."

I was not sure what happened to the elf in the painting and didn't want to ask Mike in case he told me that Santa had killed the elf!

As I was leaving he said that I should pop in to see Crazy Bob because he was wearing a skirt today!

So...I wandered into Crazy Bob's to discover that he was indeed wearing a crinoline over his pants and he was happy to pose for a photo. 

While we chatted about his renewed interest in drawing he showed me a recently completed colored sketch that he decided was homo-erotic! Hmmmh!

I love this town!

Ferry trips

We have been busy! On October 18th we hopped on a ferry to Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast for two days of the "Art Crawl"...an annual event where artists open their studios to the public. It was a fun, interesting and totally wet weekend. We didn't let the constant downpour stop us...visiting 15 diverse locations in Gibsons and Roberts Creek. On both nights we shared delicious homemade meals at my sister-in-law's home that overlooks Howe Sound and were introduced to Ringo, her new puppy.

On the following Wednesday we hopped on a different ferry to Vancouver Island for a five day visit in Comox with Heather and August. Our son-in-law was in New Hampshire performing in a 25 year reunion gig with his band that was hugely successful.

The weather was undecided on Thursday morning but soon turned to cold sunny days after some strong winds tore most of the leaves from every tree in their yard. We were busy raking on Saturday and woke up to frost on Sunday.

Beautiful bark on a tree in Marina Park

Heather, August and John at Filberg Park

Filberg Park is one of our favorite spots to walk around in Comox. The trees are gorgeous, no dogs are allowed, the grounds are pristine and this time we wandered through Filberg Heritage Lodge. The rooms reflect a time of opulence when the residents shared meals that included many courses served on fine china. Most of the china and glassware on display has been donated and is available for sale. There are even some items left outside the entry that are free to anyone!

It was a great visit that included delicious food, trivia contests and UNO competitions!

Autumn days

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that we decided to stroll through Campbell Valley Park again with our pockets stuffed...sunflower seeds for the chickadees and peanuts for the squirrels. They were all very hungry!

Did he have a question or is he just saying thank you!

The colors are so vivid

as nature releases her hold

in time for a winter rest.

The third lock

whatever is locked inside

remains a secret

I am happy to report that a friend of our son has translated the symbols on the first lock. Apparently the Mandarin characters mean "Main Force" and probably mean that the lock has the power to protect what is locked away.

Locks...and more locks

Locks...locks...locks!

This is the second in my new series.

It is minus one degree this morning as I contemplate whether to sit in the studio with a paint brush in my hand or venture outside for a chilly morning walk. The sun is shining...the leaves are turning red and the birds are shivering on the rooftop next door. Time to begin my quest for 10,000 steps!