At first glance the semi-arid landscape of the South Okanagan can appear desolate, but on closer inspection this is far from the truth. The South Okanagan is an extraordinary place. It is Canada's only "pocket desert", a fragile and endangered ecosystem that is...
The thing about spring is that it is unpredictable. Warm sunny days tease you into thinking that winter is long past and that summer is fast approaching. Then, without much warning, clouds roll in and a cold wind blows and once again I am reminded that this season is...
Here in the sunny south Okanagan it is spring and the hills are blanketed in the bright yellow flowers of arrowleaf balsamroot. Arrowleaf balsamroot, balsamorhiza sagittata, also known as Okanagan Sunflower, is a native plant that has large silvery-green arrow shaped...
This past week has been somewhat challenging and stressful. Everyone has times of stress; it is not a pleasant experience no matter how you look at it. However, I have found a wonderful stress combatant: planting onions. It was onion planting time on my friend's small...
Spring is a time of surprises. As the days warm we push seeds into moist soil and wait for them to germinate. There is always great anticipation when seeds are planted. In my impatience I have been known to dig up seeds just to make sure they are beginning to swell. I...
The Naramata Creek Park hiking trail follows Naramata Creek through a gulley that leads to a more canyon-like area covered in beautiful waterfalls. The hike is about 2.4 km, round trip, and takes about an hour or...
We are fortunate that we live close to a world renown rock climbing area: Skaha Bluffs. Climbers come from across the country and around the world to rock climb at the bluffs. Even for the non-climber it is a beautiful place for a hike and picnic. I was introduced to...
For the people of Jewish faith, the Passover Seder meal is a sacred ritual that celebrates the deliverance and freedom of the Israelite people from four hundred years of slavery in Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus. I have never taken part in an authentic Jewish...
Spring is truly here. We've been enjoying the sight of beautiful flowers, preparing the gardens and getting our hand dirty planting seeds. I started my tomato and pepper seeds indoors on the twentieth of this month, along with a few cauliflower seeds. Last year I...
Spring time. A time of renewal and growth. As I explore the outdoors I see life unfurling, opening to new possibilities, brazenly accepting the journey forward. The soil is soft, yielding to eager sprouts pushing through. The apricot and cherry trees are beginning to...
Five. Claire has been anticipating her fifth birthday for quite some time now. In fact, she's been counting down the days since Teddy had his birthday earlier this month. When people ask her how old she is she proudly tells them " I am just five" as if she wants...
For our family home learning is something that is constantly evolving and changing. I admire families that are committed to a particular style of home learning, whether it be Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling, classical schooling, among others. The reality is...
Right before our trip to Thailand I purchased a Kindle Paperwhite. I have been resisting the purchase of an e-reader for a long time because of my preconceived notions about them. I love the feel, smell and sound of paper bound together. Books have a special place in...
We hadn't seen snow, in any great amount, since we left on our trip to Thailand back in January. There was a hint of flurries last week, but my husband and I debated if it was in fact snow. Piles of snow still do exist in these parts but you must drive up the mountain...
This is Zak. The last time I took care of Zak was the summer after my graduation from high school. He was just a little pup then, and a mischievous one at that! Now he's a old fella, a twelve year old senior. He can still get into mischief mind you, as was evident by...
Oh Teddy, my gregarious little boy. You have just completed your third journey around the sun, and what adventures we have had this last year. You do not hesitate to let others know how you feel and everything is at maximum volume. You are always putting to work the...