Azure in the Shuswap!

In the Shuswap, we know another Cyan, a bold and blue, a visitor of constant, a visitor of the winter feeder. Azure, he is Cyanocitta stelleri. With an amazing chorus of whistles, a great mimic, quite personable and a very loyal friend when it comes to food. He has the looks to back it up, not to mention being the Provincial Bird of British Columbia.  This Steller’s Jay has a very convincing cry of a Red-tailed Hawk, which he uses to scare away competition at the bird feeder. In fact, he is here most of the time, with his family and his friends. Very clever and entertaining, handsome in blue.

Cyanocitta stelleri

Yes, I did say “bird feeder” but you are welcome too! Help yourself to the bird seed. After all,  how much bird seed can one little squirrel haul away to a secret bird seed stash? Maybe not a lot all at once, but a thousand trips later, surely he has enough for next year too. Handsome against the blue too.

Bird Feeder?

The secret path to the Squirrel’s bird seed stash, has been well used. Back and forth so many times, he’s melted the snow down by four inches on his well beaten track. This is not the only stash he has, and he really doesn’t like to share with the birds. But there’s lots of sunflower seeds to go around, my little friend. You will always be looked after in the Shuswap.

Squirrel’s Secret Birdseed Stash

How it seems to one, may seem different for two. Winter brings friends together, enjoy the company. Have a browse around the yard, and I’ve seen you at the bird feeder too. Everybody shows up when the feeder is full. It’s been a good winter in the Shuswap.

Ruffed Grouse in Shuswap Winter

The old orchard still offers that last taste of summer time to those ingenious enough or tall enough to reach the prize. A good set of wings will do fine also, to reach the heritage apples. Trees planted 100 years ago, generations of food for the generations of local wildlife. Azure background, azure blue, azure of life, what a fabulous scrabble word too!

Heritage Apples in the Shuswap

With a good plan you can achieve your goals by creative thinking,  hard work and determination. Like primary colors there’s just one way, but the visible spectrum shows even more secondary, and amazingly white amongst the colors. Electromagnetic wave lengths for all perceived and some unseen. Hey, Neil Mole, who we believe to be a vole, “Sorry about the cat thing the other day Neil.” You’re a good sport my little friend!

Neil Mole

We have our own wave lengths in the Shuswap Lake. Could be Campion, Seadoo or Chapperal, could be from you cruising the  Shuswap Lake in a houseboat this summer. For now we settle with azure blue in the Shuswap winter sky and look forward to the azure blue in the Shuswap summer. The azure shade of Copper Island, and the different boats that surround it, floating in the sunshine of the Shuswap. Where are you from azure eyes, we will be back for more of the Shuswap.

Shuswap Waves

Somehow things look different in the Shuswap winter. What kind of shadow will this cast? And when the snow is gone, what will emerge from the Shuswap winter? There’s always an azure glimpse behind overcast skies. Aerial perspective, the illusion of distance, distance to the Shuswap Lake. Intensity and sharpness become more clear,  as you near the Shuswap and realize the lifestyle, azure lifestyle. Gradations of light and shade. Blue and green onto azure in the Shuswap winter, awaiting the azure of spring and beyond. It’s not what was before, but what will be next, always moving forward, positively through the water, through the snow, through the azure in the Shuswap winter.

Shuswap Winter

Awaiting the spring, and onto a new season in the Shuswap. Shall we expect you this summer in the Shuswap? Maybe you’ll be visiting Kamloops, Chase or Salmon Arm? Well good then, bring the family, your boat, camping gear and we’ll see you here in the Shuswap! Until next time!

Yes, Canada, the place that gets all the snow in the winter. But it is a different story in the summer when the Boats are on Shuswap Lake once again!.  What else goes on here in the preparation for the snow? Well after all the outside chores are done and the firewood is in for the season, then the shoveling snow and snowshoeing start. Everyone body gets settled in for the long winter.

 My computer has beckoned me several times in fact. Being off the power grid, more time is spent working outside than inside, when I should really be working on my resume!  I gave up baking and sewing to learn HTML and CSS. Kind of running out of time, so I need to get to work soon! Maybe you need a good ol’ homemade website or rent a cabin or campsite in the Shuswap? It won’t be cheap ’cause we’re working on  getting  the hydro electricity hooked up.  Are you rich and famous and need a place to relax? We don’t get much TV or company so nobody will know who you are.  You could stay for a while,  grab a shovel or rake, always need help around the yard. Maybe you like watching the birds or turtles, hiking around, outdoor recreation and good exercise? This may be the place for you, no fancy stuff here, got some rules, bring the family, this is where they should be. We like the painters the best, they’re pretty quite most of the time.

Lately I have been  thinking about going on a trip one day after the business is all built and I’m kind of rich. Maybe I’ll go catch me one of them Dragons to speed things up. That little skinny fancy one will do. Then I’ll take a taxi ride around Boston or  see a basketball game in Chicago. “Thank you for your comments”, “Bonjour” to you too,  not quite sure what the heck you said, but it looks fancy and foreign!  If you’re from far away and  you’re coming here in the summer, bring your ski boat, Shuswap Lake is just down the road.

There are some friendly links in the sidebar for you to check out. Everything is under construction, so I hope you will check back again.
Something we haven’t talked about is the blog stats, last time we looked they were at 3346. Now “Thanks to You” once again the blog stats are at 13,893. Fabulous, friends, just Fabulous. Well can’t tell you too much more, you’ll just have to come to the Shuswap Lake area and have a look for yourself.

Until next time, Thanks again for your comments! Always Family Friendly from the Shuswap Lake Photos Blog! More Family Friendly Short Stories for you at my Shuswap Lake Photos Website. See you again!

THE CRESCENDO OF A BYLINE

BY Dawn Kellie

You must write, as a great painter paints. “To write” is a gift, an acquired skill or innate talent, but the writer must write. The stories and old ways of all, must be told and they must begin on paper, so the reader will not be hopelessly lost. All those fine tastes seeking literary satisfaction denied, because we, the scribe, have not followed our dream to write, our need, and inner most drive. 

But, if by way of words, we can reach and inspire the reader, we have succeeded in what comes natural to us.  As natural as Lorquin’s Admirals orange wing tips.  Whether the written words are for information, encouragement, or opinions to be pondered, they must touch the heart of the readers.   And also, obtaining self-sustaining employment and income by reader enjoyment shall be put to the test, a change in livelihood. To sell your product, to arrange and submit a product of words, quite strange to some, but always changing and au courant to suit the demand.  But in this product must be the basis of a byline and power of emotion, your emotion. 

 Will it entertain your intellectual reading requirements, so many different styles and choices.  So writer, you are encouraged to “write your book Anne Marie” share with us your views, reasons and whys.  We will keep them in memoriam as others hold semantics, etymology and linguistics.

 So important are the words, if they affect one person, the result needs to be of maximum benefit.  And so I tease my learned friend John, that I should not translate the classic Latin words that have him so curious, as they are, only for those of us  in the know.  Words, from a lifetime ago and they must not stop here, write farther and further, vast as the Great Plains.  Compile, arrange and preserve the words, as there are new ones to come with the planets. Tradition they call it, and those whom the words call, in one form or another, must do our best to ensure the words will be felt on paper, just like the way it all started.  What is it all about and why do we need to write?

 To leave a reoccurring smile, with someone far away, or a distant letter received from 3541 kilometers south from a dear friend. From in your very state, and from in your very city, as only months ago our paths crossed and Edmond  Oklahoma U.S.A. was a first destination ever. City of hospitality and welcoming co-incidence. Words of welcome and understanding with  beckoning  Interstate #35,  Oklahoma sunsets, sunsets of words.

The words will be relentless, as you may well know by now, they stir inquietude, as lightning seeking strikes.  Write them down writer, that is why you hold them, so they may be shared and meaningful in life, upholding the byline. A positive contribution, right there inside waiting to be freed on paper, like colorful butterflies fluttering into the shadows of sunset. And the words flow faster, only than tears. The crescendo of a byline. 

 Alphabetum perfection, interesting, exciting and quenching, the essence of eccentric order and verbal presentation to the reader.  Can you make them want more writer? Can you give them a place into which they may retreat into your work? Into your world of sylvan retreat for a time, in a comfortable place  of rest to enjoy a well written adventure or heart wrenching epic of lost love found, with your silent audience crying out for Lochinvar. Oh, the pain of heart.

The summer moods, fine calligraphy and azure eyes drawn upon the words to express where the pictographs left off and  what needs to begin,  so there is no mistake,  misunderstanding nor moraine to hinder the imagination and the sweet breeze of phonetics with 12 point  pica. Authors and journalists your profession, officium calls you now, write what you need to, verbatim et literatim. 

This is your time  to be heard, a wisp of the quill et nom de plume; and the readers? They are waiting.  Provide sustenance of cultured vocabulary, to keep them enchanted, entertained  and questioning, always wanting to hear more and know why.   Arise their curiosity, the world is theirs to know, all they have to do is to read it. So therefore, we must write it.  Written from the heart,  your job completed  to the absolute best of your ability,  releasing the energy so others may share in the written vertigo  hypothesis, clepsydra of words deriving from time and manner. Once upon a time, once in a lifetime, once and forever with the knight errant and quixotic words with the honor of diction, dialogue and dieresis direction.

Words of a new and old, write them down in their true dimension and verso.  Your footprint throughout life and writing career, right there on paper in print waxing for all to read.  Give them purpose and life, history and humor, rain clouds under a frantic sky. Sign your name. It is what you love to do, write while you have it in your heart. There shall be no regret for not having penned. Whether liked or disliked neither matters, only is the principal of the work.  Was it completed, submitted, open to debate, another pinion,  tiramisus  index and  inkprint dessert. How can you not want more?   The new is yet to come, let it fill the pages, your pages, your byline shelter, your byline. The shedded pupa. More?

Words of majestic tornado proportion and the smiles of Apelles for Janis and her studio of art and the friendship shared of a wild young life and forgiven erratum.  Can you feel the words, gravitation phases of unheard combinations of vocabular eloquence, Mykonian dreams and beckons from Atlantis.  They are calling you, relentless to be freed, as is a man of his word, upon and word for word.  Thrilling and daring, brave and bold, strong and true, as an unspoken promise given and the agonizes of kept.

Farther and further, future and forever, the words shall always be used. Sunny blue skies, thunderous storms in  the Shuswap with waterspouts of rainbow exhaust.  There is more, many many more words, and so they need to be written down writer. Then perhaps my ways will not seem so strange when you understand my words and the way I have to do things. It is time. The words need to be drawn forward and step two is now accomplished, cobblestones laid, lexicon upon escritoire. I am ready to begin, reagents aware and gnomon to the north.

A vellum finish of Tyrian purple and an inner quest to satisfy the  eclectic power of “scribere” to write. The vespertine  woes of Echo are still heard through the new young orchard, green fields thrive, so much to be written, so much to be read in consonance and open to the world.  With yellow orchids and Columbia lilies, the words blend in and smooth out on the  quality bond and brightness, are they worthy of audience or discussion?  A beginning point or as the lonely loon himself with his eerie call, there are expectations to be met.  Impatience for the first accepted byline and the very essence in print, a cure for the craving, written aria bubbling from a Pierian Spring.

What will you do instead writer?  Is there a better profession for you? What else could take hold of your heart like that and grasp so tight? From that day of recognition in the mirror,  all you have ever wanted to do, was to write.  So as you now, finally in life, give it the attention demanded, direct address of cyclonic calculation, with pieces falling into spinning order. The words will take their balance and the mind’s eye will show you the where and how, remember when?  You know who.

A date to be kept, notes to be read and the pen and paper are always close by.  The picture no longer needs words, but we must keep the communication going, that is our duty, writer.  The form and matter is by choice, but it is up to us to  be a part of the entire.  And the snow white rabbit hopped over the ice covered lake, as I was just wondering about Alice.  Funny how those little things happen, and so the need for them to be written down, is so ever apparent, they must be written. A time of telling. I let him read it, will you please? There is more if  you can listen in the whispers, and the glows of Photinus ardens.

Just words? So then how do you describe the feeling, don’t say it, write it. That is your key, your answer that you have been searching for, all this time, and you always knew. Just write it down. It will not all be for nothing. Start there, now, because, it’s time. Your time. We need to hear your part. Your encouragement and character of metonymy and metre formed over time and age.

Once upon a time, there was a girl. She was a sad girl, for reasons not dealt with until tomorrow.  And the rockery awaits, as carefully placed words settle.  He is home, I can hear him while the flowers bloom of roseate. I shall speak only words to him, he hast not the luxury of literacy, but I know he hears the words.  They must be written, so he may be read to, in the cool shady corner of my garden. He listens and he sees.  And he sings, the young prince himself. One kiss, one day.

Page after page, publish and print, practice and patience. I still cannot get past that first tear, every day, for a long time now. And the stories are told one day, happily ever after for a celebrated byline with friends. Then the girls shall  go to beaches with golden Aegean sand between our toes  and perhaps write a little from poolside.  The bold and bright umbrella against the characteristic white cube dwellings and dazzling seas, I could write you? Join us won‘t you?  How can we help?

It is in the words, they will be so powerful in the years to come, they will go beyond all known boundaries.  The truth and the trust of documented proof, fact or fiction, clearly labeled, should be available for all to read. When the great power goes out, there is still nothing like a cup of coffee now cigarette free and freedom from, and a good book or short article of a slightly odd point of view, or even perhaps, for your pleasure.

 I don’t know yet, I’ve had no response from you, so I question my methods and mania. But I will try, “give it a whirl” as they say.  Put it on paper,  tantara and tangrams, absolutely fabulous words, with  a peppery attitude and dialing complete. Ursa Major circles near, as another Twin passes by, with celestial company of three. 

There is nothing else ever, that would take you to all ends of the universe on its own grace.  The chance of a blue moon and unspoken love being told, written for the first time. Written by you. Deny yourself no more writer, put the words on paper. That is the only way they will ever know you.  By your byline, writer, by your byline. And the knight in the shining armor rides home through the green fields and tall trees. For ever and happily ever after. A crescendo of love.

The End.

New solutions required, new modern attitudes too? Yes, new tools to be used, so new thinking must be applied, stubbornness and narrow-mindedness are long gone into oblivion. It’s a new age, join in. You can achieve so much with the new modern tools. Just learn to use them, get on board. Get on board in the Shuswap, bring the family!

When you find tough times ahead, I can tell you this doesn’t work in Hawaii, or here or anywhere else.

Or as we do it in Canada, it still doesn’t work here either.

Okay, in the summer time,  it’s done a little different, but it still comes down to the same thing.  It just doesn’t work, there must be a better solution to help move forward.

The family and friends are always there to help, they believe in you.  How can we help them?

Old school, times and ways, changed now, so we can never go back. We must move forward, always towards the new future. An environmentally aware future. A future like we have never seen before. The forest is changing, the water is changing, the world has changed. Life as we know it, is changing. People will adapt, but the animals need your help. The environment needs your help. They need you, you are important, you will always be important. Please help and be environmentally aware.

Sincere Squirrel

Everything is good here in the Shuswap. Normally I don’t start out with things big and flashy but this may be an exception. Certainly nice to have a big strong Bell 212 Twin Two-Twelve Ascent Helicopter in the area.  Thanks for putting out the Shuswap summer forest fires and for the photo opportunity here too. I thought you did great. In fact there will be more helicopter action pictures dedicated to you Mr. Pilot. “Would you like some pictures and you may know the 1993 Vans RV 6?”

Bell 212 Twin Two-Twelve

Yes, moving into winter, even rocks have Christmas too. What is so special about this rock you ask? Well, I will zoom in and show you something I find quite interesting about this rock. There is a foot print on the northern face of this rock . A very distinct little outline of a foot. A big toe photo, of sorts. I must adorn my snow shoes and trek through the forest to the northern side of my environment to take more photographs of this oddity. A foot print in time. Perhaps, this rock will remain silent, the foot print will speak for itself and eternity. I love rock stories, and pictures too.

Winter Rock

Toes

Well there’s the family, don’t be afraid. They look pretty good for that era, “Hello Aunt Dorothy!”  Another day, time and 2 more generations later. Only 2 TV channels and a “You dial it yourself” telephone. But look, it’s the clothes line that stood for generations. Now that the winter has set in, the family will still be doing the laundry outside,  but now with a nice warm Hudson Bay Coat to match the dress and landscape.

Family

This 1959 circa old black and white, was no doubt taken in Northern Alberta. Dinosaur country it is, and very interesting people there. Eh, cold too. But great for a home town and fabulous grand prairies. Love the Hudson Bay Coat, the time, the era, gone now. The road is paved now too, but the dinosaurs are still there, by tail or tale, their stories are still there. In the rock, the dinosaurs are in the rock. We need so much time to find them and tell the forgotten way.  The gravity that draws us toward them, keep listening and learning, there is a reason. Learn all the life skills you can. Appreciate the ones that you are unable to manage, and those that help you overcome those challenges, and appreciate your self, there is a reason. Look to the future. Help to make it better. Read the Stone. The walls around us may be different, but the emotion is the same. Find your place and point in time.

Hudson Bay Coat

You have been very patient to wait for pictures of the  Shuswap Lake as it is named. A domain of all season outdoor recreation. This photo was taken several days ago, when there was an anxious blue sky showing through the clouds. It’s cold out there. Not nearly as much snow as usual, for now anyways. Don’t worry sledders, it’s almost time.

Copper Island BC

It’s beach weather there, and it has already been a year since I arrived at Waikiki Beach for a holiday. What a fabulous beach. I sure will be planning to return to Honolulu one day. Beautiful and warmer than here right now!  Quite a different skyline then what we are used to here in the Shuswap.  Great view from a 1992 Eurocopter AS 350 BA or from the beach itself.

Waikiki Beach

Shuswap Skyline

How are the animals coping in the Canadian winter forests? Here is a White-tailed Deer and her young, please don’t disturb them, just look through the trees. Odocoileus virginianus they are named. Last night brought more snow. Today I will venture outside to find them. Stay close, you are safe here.

White-tailed Deer

And for those who have been searching for Alces alces, here is another friend coping with the winter. One large Moose, in the back yard in fact. Some years the snow has been to the top of his legs, so this year has been better to move through the forest clearings. His favorite winter browse  is Red-Osier Dogwood that grows in abundance along the beaver dams.

Alces alces

I appreciate your visit today. Thanks for sharing your bread neighbor. It was wonderful and enjoyed by all. It is amazing what can be conquered with one small kind act, the impact will be far reaching, and the clouds will lift. You will eventually see the right path that is meant for you, don’t give up or give in. Be strong and stand tall. Come Home. You should all be home. This photo is of Loyal Edmonton Regiment soldiers, in United Kingdom or Central Mediterranean  1939 – 1943 circa.

ww2 women

WW2 Children

And the time has arrived to say Good-bye for the day. This little Black-capped Chickadee is busy at the bird feeder, and the sun is shining in the Shuswap. I must go outside and have a look around.

Parus atricapillus

Until Next Time  from the Shuswap Lake area of southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Maybe we will see you in the Shuswap on your way through to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Travel safe and Best Wishes for the New Year.

xoxoxox

]]> http://shuswaplakephotos.wordpress.com/2010/01/02/shuswap-lake-and-area-photos-animals-birds-and-plants/feed/ 0 ontheshuswap sinceresquirrel bell212 winterrock toes family hudsonbaycoat Copper Island BC waikiki-beach2 shuswapskyline White-tailed Deer Alces alces Army-Bread ww2women ww2 children Parus-atricapillus http://shuswaplakephotos.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/summer-shuswap/ http://shuswaplakephotos.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/summer-shuswap/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:19:22 +0000 Dawn Kellie http://shuswaplakephotos.wordpress.com/?p=446 ]]> Hello, I’m back. Well most of me anyways. A  medical issue to deal with there, put my updates behind schedule. Thank you for the flowers, well wishes, and yes the chocolates. They were all really good.  Once again, I’m not quite ready for that container! Thanks for checking in and waiting around. I appreciate your visits and all your help. Good time now for my career change!  ( insert chicken picture here). This honorable parade photo was developed on July 19th 1948, Northern Alberta, Grande Prairie possibly. Is that Archibald General Store? Another photo shows Storm’s Inn.

Parade 1948

 What’s been going on in the Shuswap, you would like to know? Lots of people on the lake, waterskiing and swimming and trying to keep cool in this hot weather. All kinds of crazy stuff going on out there.  All kinds of boats out there and action everywhere. A silent ensemble for you. Celista condos in the background. Click on theses photos for a larger view.

Fast Boat

Stop The Boat and Let Me In Boat

More Than Boats 

 Shuswap  Houseboating

Everybody heads for the water in the Shuswap summer time, whether it’s to the big lake or small ones. A cool dip for this young moose seems to help relieve him from the heat, as his mother keeps watch in the background. Sorry to bother you, but I’m just taking some current photos for my blog update. Any deer around today?

Moose and Mother 

 My little Geothlypis trichas chick  sits in the shade of the bulrush and cattails waiting for his dragonfly lunch to be delivered by his mother. The Common Yellowthroat has a range of Canada to southern  Mexico. It winters southern United States to the West Indies and Panama. Incredible little warbler bird with exceptionally attractive parents.

 Common Yellowthroat chick

                                                                              Anxious Mother Geothlypis trichas                                                                                             

                  Serenading Father

 From yellow boats and  birds, its only fair to have yellow petals and red sepals, a dovelike plant and shape of an eagle too they call it! Aquilegia formosa a distinctive plant loved by hummingbirds, butterflies and people too. I have only seen this plant in the shady forest beside water sources. Quite beautiful they are. I harvested seeds one fall and planted them early spring  in my rock garden. Although the plant is in full sun and quite dry conditions, it thrived. What a delicate and hardy plant.

Aquilegia formosa 

Been hanging out, too hot to do anything else, except maybe going to the beach and having a visit and barbecue with friends.  I’ve got lots of pictures I’d love to show you and almost as many Blog Stats. Well not quite, but I’ll keep trying and really hope you will keep reading. Who knew there were things like “The Internet” out there. Does everybody have electricity?

 Smitten Kitten 

Hey you guys, is that a beer you got there in your hand? Hey watch what you’re doing there, two hands! Now look what you have done, you’ve got that fishing hook stuck in your weiner! We will have none of that stuff around here! Aren’t you the same guys I’ve had this conversation with before? Oh I’m sure. We need to talk, again. I’ve never had this  many exclamation marks before, must of been the beer! 

Yeah Same Guys

Everyone is all wound up about our blog stats. We are at the water whirl amount of 3346, exactly how many spins my young friend has done here as he heads off to get his operator’s proficiency card. Make sure and take your buddies with you!  

Him Too

 For the last picture of this very belated blog is a most requested location ”Copper Island. I’m heading west looking back with Scotch Creek and distance Anglemont. Right about center of the island is where the cliff  jumpers risk life and limb. Please don’t do it. Go to some safe diving board somewhere instead.

 Copper Island Today 

  Have a wonderful summer on the Shuswap Lake.  As always be careful out there. Until next time!

See you in the Shuswap?

xoxoxox

1959 Get Together

 Don’t get too excited about houseboating in the Shuswap Lake, as we still have a ways to go yet. Good time to look at a few photographs, but you knew that was coming didn’t you. How far away are you today? Across the mountain, sea or bridge? I could walk there today, but not tomorrow. And not because I couldn’t try but because I did try. Timing is everything. The essence of everything, be prepared, planning your holidays to the Shuswap? Mine to the Mayan, if there’s time  and a swimming pool.

Patience Little Houseboat

 I’ve been waiting for Spring to show up, even with new snowfalls over the last couple of nights, it still swiftly melts in the daytime. We ‘re on page four of the calender with puddles appearing and snowbanks melting.  A small scale compared to the glaciers. Glaciers of  life times. Times of  life, now it is here. This time, today and out there  in the Shuswap Forests.

Even here, there has been browsing going on. Not just on the computer, but outside in the forest under the Fir trees for Falsebox and Red-Osier Dogwood, that have emerged free from the snow. Bare ground slowly appears all around us, the spring melt is on.

Alces alces as he is named, has made his way browsing and resting around the ponds. He has circled the field, through the playground with several passes over the now well pruned apple trees and has browsed himself right into the front yard.  Stay as long as you like. You are safe here. Stay close.  Be safe young one, “You too Smudgy, you too”. Dignity in life whether man or animal. It will change everything for the good, are you ready to step up. Please help and Protect.

Just Another Day in the Yard

 Over the mountain, and down to the other end is Bastion Mountain overlooking Salmon Arm Bay. Still had ice on the bay last time I went to town. Looking east down the lake towards Sicamous with Sunnybraeon the left and Harold’s Provincial Park farther on, all is quiet for now. But just a minute, there will be a surprise soon. Wait until page seven, that’s when the boats, beaches and  summer holidays happen. “Come to the Shuswap and Enjoy” but please help us look after the lake and land we all enjoy.

Bastion Mountain

Here comes “Spring” I do see her arriving shortly in my mind. I see lots of changes coming to the area this, more excitement and another step forward. Best thing you could ever do,  is tell them  kids  “Get out of bed and go to school ” Every day it is necessary to identify certain life, forms and places, we need the education to know. Keep learning, you’ll love it. Share it’ paint it. You’ve already taken it out of the universe,  in rerum natura. Short-stalked Damselfly or if you prefer the Latin then its Argia spp. I think that is  her, if I’m wrong “Mone me, amabo te, si erro”.

Her Name is “Spring”

   This is probably the kind of picture of the Shuswap Lake that you have been looking for. Where’s the boat to go along with it?  It’s here somewhere. It is that blue. The lifestyle too, it is what you see it to be and make it to be. Positively beautiful, positively real. Copper Island in the centre. Scotch Creek to your right and Sorrento down the lake to your left. Eagle Bay Beach in front and real.

Real Blue 

  It is still early for swimming in the Shuswap Lake yet, I’ll be waiting 3 more months myself. Oh, and it’s OK as this picture was not taken in the Shuswap Lake, so don’t worry about the Thamnophis sirtalis or Common Garter snake. He’s just going out to feed in the marsh. Heart-wrenching but filling. Feasting will come in tadpole season, land and shore. The open water is four feet wide along the shoreline, but this Common Garter Snake is making out just fine with limited watery territory. Circle of life. The insects are hatching and the birds are returning. The activities are starting in the marsh, there’s a couple of ducks quacking, Robins and Varied Thrush too. Frogs and Western Painted Turtles will dig themselves out of the muddy bottom of the marsh and their circle begins again. If I ever, ever have one, just one luxury in life, it would most certainly be an indoor swimming pool.

Spring Swimmer

 Charge ahead into the new season. Finish all those projects that are incomplete, I tell myself. Have no regrets. Kick up your heals and go in bare feet if you want! I’m here to support you all the way, if that’s what you want to do and need to do for you. We’re all here for you. And you have certainly been there for the blog stats as we are at this high leaping, straight out kicking number  because of the determination of your thoughtful action to have read this weblog….  Thanks very much. Oh Yes! Our number is 1799.  Are we to expect you here this summer? Are you to camp or just riding on through? Riding through to beautiful green pastures to let that horse go? Good, I’m happy to hear that.

Until the next update my friend and neighbour! There’s potatoes to peel, things to do and hopefully a chocolate egg or two around the place. Outside work will bring long awaited exercise, new projects and the garden is on that the list too. Compton’s Tortiseshells are out and about, and Lorquin’s Admirals will be in their flight season soon too. “Yes” of course the Easter Bunny has been seen in the forest too. We have to improvise here sometimes, everybody helps out. I don’t have any rabbit photos on hand, so I trust my new friend here will do in a slither. There’s a wink in his eye, and creepy enough they’re the same colour as mine!

Easter Bunny

Happy Easter from All of Us! 

Until Next Time

XOXOXOX

At Home

But while the snow is here, enjoy it. I could not image living any where else where there wasn’t any. Now I said “living” any where else, but “visiting” is a whole other thing. And staying there quite a long time would be ok too, especially when us4sisters can go together. There is nothing more important than family and all parts of it, and you got to like those friends too. Time for appreciation. Sometimes when things are looking kind of cool in the Shuswap, like Copper Island this winter, maybe its time to go on a holiday. Especially when I’ve never been anywhere, and the Shuswap summer won’t be happening for a few more months yet. I call it Research for my Blog, weblog to be exact. Something to compare the Shuswap to and somewhere new to tell you about while we wait for the snow to melt and the weather to warm up.  But in all fairness the refreshing 20 below weather that we had just before Christmas is over for now.  And if it looks cold in this picture, it was. A different view of Copper Island, no cliff divers today. It does claim its own, be very sure, it does.

  Copper Island from the West

  As I found out, not every where in the world is this cold. Due to the fact I live in a some what isolated location, I thought what better place than the most isolated land mass in the world to compare to the Shuswap. Yes, I have actually seen the sun this year,  it is south of here right now.  In a place with beaches, waves, and Wow and my first stamp in my passport.  If I had not been so nervous and paying more attention, I would of asked him to stamp it neater and right side up.  What can I say except maybe “Ahola”.  If you have never been, I definitely recommend it. While those of you chose to go by land, snow or quad, my sister #1 and I went by Makani Kai Helicopters over the skies of Oahu for a truly wonderful view of the island. Here is a look at the Waikiki Beach from the air. It is all they said it was. Hello Honolulu. They say if you go home with sand you will come back. I sure didn’t take any cause it looks so good there, but when I cleaned out my suitcase, there, there it was, sand, sand in my clothes, sand in everything! Real good “ole American Sand”. I will  bring it back! Mid March Ok? Hello Waikiki. Carp Diem. Horace, Ovid and you Virgil, what would you say to this? Wow and Mahalo for the hospitality?

 Waikiki Beach

 Not exactly surf boards, but if it gets you through the winter then have fun. But when I was saying zero to eighty in 6 hours, I was referring to the weather!  Not so sure my research is complete yet this year. It has been a challenge to get back to the job. But don’t they say you should always have challenges in your life. Maybe they didn’t mean that kind, but yeah, another Friday night. I can tell what you are thinking, but yeah, or eh? Eh for Canadian? Eh cold Canadian?

 Winter Time Pleasure for Some, Too Fast for Others.

 ”Hey take it easy out there you guys” underneath all that snow and ice on the small mountain lake, the Western Painted Turtles are hibernating deep down in the mud. Waiting for the spring melt to once again stretch out and absorb as many rays of sunshine as possible, not unlike myself.  The Green Sea Turtle over on the sidebar of pictures, does not have to worry about hibernation in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean at the Laniakea Beach, North Shore Oahu, where they are fondly known as Honu. A gift to see. A treasure of life. And the friends we met, I enjoyed their company. What wonderful children, all of them, even after 50 years.

Western Painted Turtles – Heard You Said Spring?

This picture has got me thinking about Summer time in the Shuswap. You have to love the Shuswap with it great location, climate and yes the houseboating. Friendly people, thanks for waving when I was taking the picture. We will get back to the houseboating in a few months. And to answer your question, from Sicamous to Chase is: Sicamous to Salmon Arm about 20 minutes, then Sorrento next 20 minutes or so, and on to Chase, “yes” about 20 minutes. Now by boat, well that depends, your speed or mine? Out of Sicamous, past Totem Pole and Wilson Creek, left through the  Cinnemousun Narrows slowly and left again, need gas? Anglemont is on your right way down, Eagle Bay on your left, look up left, way up the mountain, probably still in the snow line, then on past  Copper Island on your right, and Blind Bay to your left. Scotch Creek, Lee Creek  and then  the Adams River mouth, down Little River under the Squilax bridge ( got your map?  know your markers and water depths?) and into Little Shuswap Lake. Several small  lighthouses along the way and “whala” you are at Chase.

Shuswap Life on the Lake

 Right now and back on winter track,  let’s check on another local inhabitant to see how winter is for this Mule Deer who is taking advantage in a break from the weather to feed. Another photograph taken on the North Shore, but this time it is the North Shore of Shuswap Lake. Odocoileus hemionus, lovely creature. So far I have seen 6 White-tail Deer and 6 Moose in the last 10 days going to work. The snow has brought all the animals down low to lake level. Twice I have had to swerve for them at dusk, as they cross the road for an evening drink at the lake. If I could I would take them all home, where they would be safe. If I could, I would and the children too. Can you help them to be safe. Please Do. Please protect the environment for all.

 I don’t know if you are flipping out, but I sure am about our Blog Stats. I am very thankful that you would check in.  The current to date stats for this weblog started in April 2008 are: 1063 for that year and 250 for 2009 with a grand total of 1313. Wouldn’t you know, that kind of number but all is well, we will face adversity and get through it together. Again and again. Step up and face it. We will do it as a team. There is another  sister with a great need.  A great need to release a young spirit, he must move on now. Can we talk? Set the Butterfly free. His wings need to touch the air freely so he can rise higher. The ripples must spread further across the pond. Release him and you release yourself, you can help more that way. Let him go free and others will be helped. Isn’t that why you do it? Just to help? You are you know, you are. Now we need to help you. As you have helped my sister and then me.

Flipping Out

Time to get back to the Shuswap, and dreams of summertime spent on the lake, shark free I might add. Oh what a day this was, sun, water and the sand. The people, the summer time days. Lots of nice places and parks to see around the Shuswap. If you are back in the cities, I am sure you will come back to the Shuswap for your holidays. Always something to see for the Birders too, like the Merlin in the sidebar. I am pretty good at identifying ducks, and still working on the hawks and falcons, so if this is not a Merlin, maybe you could help me out with this bird. Until next update “Thanks again for checking in the Shuswap” at “Shuswap Lake Photos”.

 Summer in the Shuswap

See you again!

xoxoxox 

Who are You? Hello and It’s Nice to Meet You

Yellow leaves fall around me now. The lush green marsh has changed into the fall mode and past. Browns, beige, more yellows and slight greens. Twice now the frost has touched the ground Write in the Shuswap. We knew it would, just not so soon. Already another season waiting to grasp the time and hold it still, until we can catch up to it here and now. Another year, one more season changing and swirling past. There will be snow any day.

 The beavers have taken most of the Black Cottonwoods down, only a few pair are left. Magnific and tall, Lochinvar, O’Rion and the music seems to fit, another story told. Entertainment, I hope.  Establish a plan. Modify, re-adjust or change it, but have a plan, a path you will follow to acheive your goal. A hand to help, move past and forward, taking  note of the moment. There is a multitude of interesting facts and cures out there, in the jungle, forest and sea too, don’t forget the air. Please read. Please read what they have learned, about everything. Knowledge, facts, humanity, help them how we can. Not just this next generation, not just Bella and BooBoo, but the others too. Protect our environment. Please.

What’s a Forest Mother

 The Shuswap Lake or The Big Lake as we call it here, is not quite quiet, still a fishing boat or houseboat here and there. It is cold, the snow was so low on Crowfoot, but has melted back to the top. I’m not ready for the cold yet! So enjoy the Autumn Sun, the shadows of summer faded, covered in yellow leaves and blues of the Shuswap sky line.The mountains are horizon blue and yellow ribboned with Western Larch and Paper Birch.

 Salmon Arm Skyline

The guitar strings, bond fires on the beach, the old days when life was, well some what different. Now it is today, and we need to help the stone and the rock and the knights legacies of animals and bravery. Brave and bold. Find out who you are and where you came from, it will be important later. Painter too, I feel the brush closer to my hand. I haven’t seen the calf in the last few days. I fear for him. Little game. Too little, always too young. And never come back. Never said they would, just thought it. But never thought far enough about, ahead, never thought far enough ahead about it. Then, then it was too late. They left clues, did you read them? Pyramids, Equations and the tree rings. They did tell you before, but  you didn’t listen, so listen now, to the environment. It is our habitat too. Now, he is gone too. Don”t give up warrior. Don”t give up. Lest We Forget.

Fresh Air and a Free Spirit My Friend

 Wow, what kind of picture is this one? There’s that crazy big È, see that. Some times I get this big È and è instead of my question mark. Another cute clue, wasn’t that yesterday?. Sure seemed like it. Are you in a city? I have visited a city a couple times, with my sister et al. Or is it alias? Creative atmosphere, that’s what you need. And a good pair of hiking boots with camera at hand!

 This next picture is the Salmon Arm Bay. Bastion Mountain and Raven on the right. After this it will be all snow pictures.  I guess I should of looked out the window more at work, because some how I missed Fall and now Winter is here. In stead of working in town, I  was thinking I could make some 8 hour cat videos of Smudgy and Squeaky, but they only move around about twice a day, so not alot of action there.  On the sidebar, you will find a picture of Downtown Salmon Arm while on the move and a sneak preview of the Revelstoke Ski Hill Condos. Another exciting fact on the move is our Blog Stats. Although it has been awhile since the last update, you still keep checking and I “Thank you” for that.  Our Grand Total is 889 already.

Salmon Arm Bay

 For the last picture of the day, a family still enjoying the Shuswap Lakes clean and now cold water. Fish for lunch and supper too no doubt. Great company and wonderful friends. It is there all along, within yourself, you just have to find it.  Listen to your heart and follow the instinct. The outside influences, the power to produce an effect without using force, make it a positive one. The equation. Stars, hence the Rock. Answer the question asked. And be true to yourself and all you meet.  I wish I could do this all day long, but there is a gallon of paint calling my name.

 We Otter Get Together Again.

 Until next time, Write in the Shuswap

xoxoxox 

Half Hanger Flyer

 Shuswap Lake is pretty busy right now, People, planes and lots of boats. But why wouldn’t you want to be in the lake having some summer fun? You could be driving 2 1/2 hours to Kelowna or 12 hours to Grande Prairie. Just rather be here right now. Or maybe on our way into Salmon Arm for groceries. This is Sandy Point and Salmon Arm in the background.

Salmon Arm

 Whoa, prefer the slower speeds myself, Thanks. I’ll just take a few pictures from shore.  Life on the lake. Please be very careful with the lakes. Great changes are happening to the Shuswap Lake. It is here for a reason and it is not always about us. It goes far beyond, into the comets and stars while earth’s orbit intersects the  Perseid meteor shower, Geminids next. 

 Whoa, Kind of Fast

Always other friends close by too Write in the Shuswap. Hurry up, Everybody behind the sign, you will be safe there. Don’t give away any secrets today. Come along, move over, there are more to come. You know the rule: Stay Safe Behind the Sign and please don’t step on the rabbits.

Everybody behind the Sign

Hurry Up You Two!

The blanket of words spreads fine over the Shuswap Lake. Glistening reflections and lighthouses along its shores, the people, the places they’re from. Tourism draws them to the Shuswap. The life, sights and ways.  Old time ways, just have to work with what we got! There has even been talk of full time electricity here.  Not too sure about that thought though. But this I do know  “Fresh Corn Season in Salmon Arm”. Nice to see you all at the annual Fish Bake and Corn Roast Beach Barbecue! Once again you have outdone yourselves. Twice when you add up the blogs stats we have accumulated together. Thanks for stopping in and staying to visit. Our official count it the totally remarkable amount of 411.  Superb!

 Fresh Corn Season

Enjoy, until next update! Back to work tomorrow!

xoxoxox