In search of the perfect A

We have a guild assignment for the May Galleria.  I have been in search of a perfect A...

And so my quest continues and then to complete the assignment, using only one letter, we are to (as I interpret it) create texture, repetition, interest....... back to my desk!

Signs of Spring

Today was a very sunny, lovely, warm day here.  I went for a bit of a wander around the garden in search of signs of Spring and I was not disappointed! 

The Hyacinth smelled wonderful!

The Primula look a bit like they've already been lunch for some small creature...

The Bluebells are almost ready to pop open.

I think these are called "Hens and Chicks"? they survived the winter!

Even the rhubarb is making an appearance. 

Everything is at least a month behind though as ten years ago last week, the Magnolia was in bloom for my Dad to sit under and have lunch. We didn't know that he would pass away later that afternoon. The buds on the Magnolia are starting to swell but it will be a little while yet before they burst open.

Spring is right around the corner.....

Technically Spring is about 2 days away and all signs are pointing towards it!  These crocuses have been blooming in the garden for a few days now.  I especially like the mauve ones as I remember as a small person, going to River Park in SW Calgary and picking a skirtful of crocuses.  Just a small memory of a happy time.

This month, Erin and I were lucky enough to meet another rockstar! Well, really, if I am honest, I had nothing to do with it other than driving into the city.  Erin likes to paint portraits of people she likes and Jeff Martin happens to be on her list.  So, she painted this:

And that effort got us backstage after the fantastic show at the Media Club in Vancouver.  The club is one of those small, dark, poorly lit clubs in the city. There were no lights on the stage so videos shot are more about the music than watching the band, in particular Jeff Martin.  His music is very influenced by Middle Eastern music.  A very enjoyable evening, even if it was about 1:30 am by the time we got to meet the band!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMxnJ3Zkn6g&feature=related

I am not a fan of having my photo taken but I make exceptions occasionally even if I don't look that great!

And if that wasn't enough excitement for the month of March, it was also the annual trek to Yellow Point Lodge on Vancouver Island.  The weekend retreat is always a great time and this weekend was no exception. My friend Pat and I had volunteered to be part of the Saturday evening entertainment and so after the Shareshop in the morning which was led by Dellaine  - Pre Copperplate Italic, we had lunch and went right to work, organizing, setting up, etc.  We were so busy I didn't even get outside when the sun was shining to take photos of the water or the soothing scenery! And then Sunday poured rain. It was so wet that we had to take the group photo indoors standing in front of the big fireplace. I don't remember if I was ever there when that happened before.

My roommate, Jeanne, and I spent some of our spare time making greeting cards.  I had just taken a class at Country Lane, revisiting Twinkling H2Os, where we made four cards.  We used them as "jumping off points" and make some to have on hand. 

I don't think anyone could ever have a bad time at Yellow Point. What's not to like?! you wake up in the morning and know that you have to be in the dining room in time for breakfast which starts with juice, muffins, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, porridge and then whatever you chose to have for a cooked breakfast or a daily special such as Eggs Mornay.  On Saturday morning there is a mini workshop and there is always a coffee break halfway through the morning served with cookies.  Lunch! on Saturday consists of croissants with cold cuts, lettuce and tomato, other salad choices and soup.  Oh! don't forget the dessert! Saturday afternoon is free time for a nature walk or more lettering.  Dinner is served after Libations and is usually a Prime Rib Dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings and those of us who do not eat red meat, a fish entree is specially made for us.  Have I mentioned once about having to make your own bed or cook a meal or do laundry or anything like that?! no, it is all done for you and is quality through and through. A perfect place to carry on a long tradition.  And when the view from your cabin is this.....no complaints!