Summer Solstice

June 21st, is my favourite day of the year for a number of reasons and a cause for celebration. The  night of the solstice I went down to the beach with my camera to watch the sunset and to see what was happening. Lots, as always.

A cruise ship on its way to Alaska passing Qualicum Beach at sunset. Behind is Lasqueti Island, Texada Island and the Coast Mountains of the mainland.

Our first house guest of the summer season has come and gone. Number 2 Son came to stay for several days which was a treat, then Number 1 Son called to say he's booked his flight out here for mid-August. It's raining boy children. This is by far the best part of being back in Canada - talking to, and seeing them more often than was ever possible in Asia. Both stop off in Vancouver for a few days to see friends, then often to Victoria to do the same as part of their trip to see us up island. It was a busy time - a daring raid on Victoria, a day sail around Denman Island, a drive up to Courtenay and lots of barbecuing on the new grill. We bought scallops at a place that grows them, ten minutes up the road - fresh fresh fresh. We all agreed they were the best ever. Mike and I stayed up far too late on several nights, watching most of Season 2 of the Borgias.

Young men take up a lot of air, and now I'm back into my puttering lifestyle. More 7-hour days in the garden, finishing up getting the fuchsias ready for summer, potting them up, fertilizing and disposing of those that don't make the cut. Tough love. I'm down to 46 pots. The Summer Greenhouse between the house and fence is in full swing. The other Greenhouse is almost empty, save for some tomato plants, hot pepper, 4 blue poppy seedlings and the last 4 fuchsia seedlings being trained as standards. Outside the sweet peas and poppies are blooming and everything else is exploding. 3 of the shrubs I planted in the new front gardens have turned out to be yummy deer food.

Last Sunday our normally quiet town was a happening place. Festival season is in full swing and that day the streets were closed for a Classic Car show - hundreds and hundreds of gleaming, spiffy old cars and thousands and thousands of people wandering around admiring them and talking cars. This was the 19th annual Show and Shine put on by the Seaside Cruizers Car Club. Rock and roll on the outdoor speakers and a DJ giving out non-stop prizes. It was fun to watch the reactions on people's faces when they'd pass a particular car. The light of recognition. "I used to have that car!" Or, "I always wanted that car!"

The first car I picked as a fave was this two-tone blue convertible with fantastic matching upholstery. Thought it would match the boat.

But my all time show favourite was this one, painted the coolest copper shade ever, with black leather and leopard print upholstery. Gorgeous smooth lines. This was enough to impress even this car-indifferent soul.

It was, as they say, fun fun fun.