Never met a tree I didn't like
As the chilly weather descends upon us and neighbourhood trees prepare to shed their leaves, I find myself constantly snapping photos. May be because I want to remember 2020 as the year like no other.
I hope you get a chance to venture out and enjoy the golds, reds, and browns of autumn.
Halloween 2020 in Steveston
Even in the midst of Covid19, or especially in the grip of this pandemic, we all need a lighthearted fantastical break - whether we are six or sixty.
Strolling in the village, I was grateful for our merchants and their efforts to keep the Halloween spirit alive. May all the children be blessed with tasty treats and, even for one night, forget about the new normal.
A crow's tale
Mr. Crow landed right in front of me and refused to budge for 35 seconds - eyeing me and willing me to roll down my car window and throw him some food.
Having read about their intelligence, uncanny ability to remember people's faces, and collaborative attacks on targeted humans, I almost caved in. Luckily a seagull swooped low and sent him off his perch.
But next April 27, I plan to celebrate Happy International Crows and Ravens Appreciation Day. After all they need respect - and love - too.
Inviting outdoor patios in Steveston
Covid19 has changed the way we dine out.
To reassure patron's concerns, many restaurants had scrambled to provide outdoor seating. Especially this past summer, when dining alfresco became of prime importance for staying in business.
There were varying degrees of success, of course, depending on real estate availability. Some restaurants hastily dragged out a couple of tables and chairs onto cramped sidewalks; others erected structures designed specifically to comply with the mandated health and safety protocols.
When it comes adding outdoor space that combines practicality and curb appeal, I thought two Japanese restaurants really aced it.
The G-Men at Steveston Ramen Shop decided to set up outdoor high-backed wooden booths facing scenic Bayview Street where guests could enjoy delicious meals with plenty of barriers between them, the servers, and the other patrons. Strings of lights were added to enhance the festive air and blend seamlessly with the mini lanterns dancing next to the main entrance.
Ichiro Japanese Restaurant has always had strong curb appeal with their umbrella, upright lantern, cushioned benches, and green bushes tightly packed in wooden planters along Second Avenue. In addition, the restaurant opted to set up a lovely patio that faces Chatham Street and stretches almost the entire length of the building. Tables and chairs were placed behind a decorative fence made of bamboo poles, panels, and rectangular planters bursting with flowering plants. The whole atmosphere has real wow factor that really draws you in.
I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy these neighbourhood patio gardens!
Music: https://www.bensound.com
October 2020 fall colours - Vancouver, BC
Although Steveston is home, you don't really get that fall feeling. Our corner of Lulu Island offers none of the breathtaking seasonal colours. To view and appreciate autumn foliage shifting from green to yellow, to red, then brown, I headed out to Vancouver. Just thirty minutes from home.
To be sure, we are not really into the super spectacular seasonal display yet. But, in a few weeks, nature will shake her cloak of many colours. How precious will these spectacles be, especially when we know that very soon, all those leaves will tremble off the branches, get swept away by cold October breeze. And if we're lucky, we might just get caught in the shower of falling leaves as we walk, drive, or ride our bicycles.
So until the chilly rains arrive and render those glorious leaves soggy and sad at our feet, let's go out and make the most of this brilliant season.
A foggy day in Steveston
On October 7, I laced up my runners and headed down to Steveston Landing. It was just past 4:00 PM and I could hear the intermittent low mournful foghorn sounds warning ships as they maneuver through the thickly blanketed harbour.
Yes, the chilly weather is upon us once more, but that doesn't mean that our village is any less picturesque. Here's a short video for those of you who ventured out that day - and especially for those of you who didn't.
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