More than 80 years ago my grandfather built this dollhouse for my mother. Over the years many young children have taken turns looking after this house — rearranging furniture, playing make-believe, dreaming. Each door opens to reveal a different room, with windows, curtains, rugs, furniture. There is a miniature grand piano in the living room,Continue reading “Heirloom dollhouse”
Category Archives: random reflections
More visitors
My back patio was a busy place yesterday. This masked bandit was my first visitor. Later in the morning Scamp stopped by for some water, and to stare in at me. I wonder what he is so curious about. While I was teaching in the afternoon, I noticed a squirrel on the patio. I triedContinue reading “More visitors”
Japanese Snow Bush
We were walking near the sea wall in Yaletown last week. This beautiful shrub caught our attention. After some research online I found more information on Viburnum plicatum Watanabe. It is native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Because it is quite resistant to disease and pests, it looks perfect. The flowers are pure white,Continue reading “Japanese Snow Bush”
Brave squirrels
This squirrel was trying to be brave. I met another far braver and much fatter squirrel out in the parking lot. On Friday I had booked rehearsal time, and showed up a half hour early (long, convoluted story!). The chubby squirrel ran right up to me as I walked away from my car. An amusedContinue reading “Brave squirrels”
Self-sufficient
Self-sufficient is my word for the day. Since I am not always sure of the deeper meaning of many words that aren’t part of my daily vocabulary, I usually look up what the dictionary has to say. My idea of being self-sufficient is not being co-dependent—basically, I can survive without assistance. I thought I wasContinue reading “Self-sufficient”
Peace
Living on an island has its advantages and disadvantages. I like the weather here. In the middle of the city, including my yard, are huge trees. Flowers bloom all year. But, when I need to visit family I really have to plan. There are three ways to get to the mainland; either a 95 minuteContinue reading “Peace”
Mid-blink
I must have caught her in that split second where she was mid-blink. I don’t recall taking this photo on the weekend, but it was on my iPhone. This is my third child. The one who could sit so still at the age of 3 that people thought she was a life-size doll. And twoContinue reading “Mid-blink”
Bee bottom
Baby ”A” loves flowers. She likes to pick pretty flowers or leaves, one for each hand, and carry them gently while walking or riding in her stroller. I spent the day with her yesterday, enjoying watching her explore her surroundings and discover new things. She learned how to gently pick mint leaves and not squeezeContinue reading “Bee bottom”
Memories of a full moon
This was the first full moon after the initial pandemic lockdown in the spring of 2020. In those days Toffee was very eager to get going in the morning. We would get up very early and go for a walk before other people were out. At the time there was very little knowledge of howContinue reading “Memories of a full moon”
Cheers
About 5 years ago my father and I went on a cruise from Montreal to Boston. We decided to spend a few extra days in Boston, exploring and resting before returning home. One place I was very excited to get to was the Cheers Pub, where the American sitcom “Cheers” was filmed. I enjoyed watchingContinue reading “Cheers”
Reflections 