The neighbourhood crow - friend or foe?

Yes, the crows are back - and pecking hard at patches of damaged grass around Steveston.

Initially I had considered them to be the main offenders responsible for digging and scattering clumps of soil all over the lawn.

Instead I learned that, if anything, crows, raccoons, and skunks act as agents of pest control. They feed on larvae of European chafers that feed on grass roots - thus preventing them from reproducing and wreaking further destruction. 

Of course this doesn't help homeowners' effort to keep their lawns healthy and their properties attractive. And it is so disheartening to wake up in the morning and find that the area of damage in front of your house has grown overnight.

Fortunately there are things they can do. Here's a Vancouver Sun article that explains this infestation and what can be done about it. The City of Richmond also publishes a page on the European Chafer beetles on their website that provides helpful tips on keeping them under control.

 So next time you see a couple of crows tossing clumps of grass with their beaks, don't be so hard on them. Although it might not look that way, they are really on your side.

 Traffic pattern in Steveston

As you may know, last August, traffic pattern in the Steveston village was temporarily changed. The expansion of sidewalks on Moncton and Bayview street was implemented to allow pedestrians and cyclists more space and safeguard everyone's health and safety.

Traffic flow on Bayview Street was converted into one-way westbound while that on Moncton Street was changed to one-way eastbound.

As of September 7, both streets have reverted back to the old two-way traffic pattern with planters and guides lining Bayview Street to provide visual guides that separate cyclists and pedestrians. 

Frankly, I have always thought the original traffic flow was just fine and didn't quite see the point of tampering with something that wasn't broken. But then, what do I know? I only live here.

 Smoke gets in your eyes

Since September 8, smoke from wildfires in Washington and Oregon has blanketed Metro Vancouver, including Steveston.

Although air quality has improved since then, the smoke remains. It shrouds the sun, dimming its intensity and smudging its edges like an Impressionist painting. Everything is cast in a yellow glow, making our village look surreal.

 Summer blush

No it's not about the latest make up palette of a cosmetic company. Or the color that will dominate Paris/Milan/New York catwalks.

It's just the lovely muted shades of humble neighborhood flowers. But they hold this power to uplift our spirits and heal our hurts.

 Celebrating last summer long weekend in Granville Island

For best experience, click to view in full screen

Visiting Granville Island can be just what you need to pick up your spirit.

Located across False Creek from downtown Vancouver, it offers dining, food shops, and boutiques.

Although not its usual vibrant self due to Covid19 closures and health and safety protocols in place, it is still a special place to meet and share a beautiful moment with friends and family.

 Have a bloomin' good day

As the Covid19 pandemic enters its sixth month in the lower mainland area, we are all wondering when - and if - it will ever be eradicated. Our lives have been totally upended by this disease, some more so than others. 

I hope this short video will put a smile on your face and in your heart - even if only for a brief moment.

 Steveston Alive!

It seems like an eternity ago, but last summer I and a friend had the pleasure of participating in the Steveston Alive! walking tour. 

Presented by the Steveston Historical Society and the Steveston Museum, we were treated to a play in five parts.

Drama students from Steveston-London Secondary School and returning cast members from sister school Hugh McRoberts Secondary escorted us through historical landmarks and presented vignettes that recreated Steveston's history and the hardships that early immigrants had to endure to survive and thrive in their newly adopted community.

Let's hope that the walking tour will return once the Covid19 pandemic is over. I, for one, can't wait to see it again.

Childhood drawings

Do you have an attic crammed full with your children's artwork? Have you started to separate those to treasure from those to throw away? It's quite difficult, as any parent could attest. 

I know Marie Kondo recommends keeping only things that give you joy. Well, what if they all do? Or, worse, what if your child one day asks for the very ones that you have been tempted to put through the shredder? 

Well, with digital technology you don't have to decide. At least not right away. You can keep them on a hard drive, a USB stick, or in other repository you have handy. And if you have enough time, or energy, you can even categorize them for future search and retrieval.

I took photos of some of my daughter's childhood drawings and put them into a slideshow. When I have a second here or there, I would play it and relive her obsessions with unicorns, dinosaurs, mice, birds, Ariel the mermaid, and pet cat Chico. Ah childhood memories, they are priceless!

 Flowers in the wind

To watch this video in full screen, go to YouTube

August sometimes brings blustery winds to Steveston. As an avid neighbourhood explorer, I welcome the blessed coolness that sweeps over our village and the opportunity to capture flowers dancing in the wind.