Wednesday, January 20, 2010

the great big sea....

January seems to be the time people think about escaping winter...and looking for a little sunshine and warmth...maybe near the ocean. My sister happens to live on the Canadian prairie...and doesn't need a whole lot of coaxing to escape for a bit most winters...and come for a visit to the west coast. Catching wind of the arrangements...my brother decided it was as good a time as any for him to flee the cold US Midwest and hop a flight west as well.

We sisters like to visit our favorite little spot on the ocean...not so far from here...and so that's where we were these past few days...the four of us. (The one from Texas had no winter to escape...so she stayed put!) The guys joined us for part of the time as well...and we spent a lot of time playing games...eating...and laughing.

Birch Bay is rather a sleepy beachside community in the winter...with 'warm water, warm people' as it's slogan. The only warm water we found was that in the hot tub on our deck...from where we could enjoy a view of the ocean. It's a great place for a winter retreat.

We are having an El NiƱo winter...what that means is it is that we are enjoying warm, balmy weather (not exactly what the Olympic committee ordered)...but perfectly fine for spending a day or two at the beach in January!

A storm blew through the one night...with the remains still evident in the morning.

The cars had to jump the waves...and the beachcombers could gather shells right on the road.

We watched the logs rolling in the waves...and a few were high and dry...on the right shoulder of the roadway.

The shoreline was thick with seashells...and I thought of a few little munchkins who would have been ever so thrilled to come collecting.

All evidence of any storm was soon gone...and we walked in the sunshine...jackets soon discarded.

Though most people flock here in the summer months...it does seem that some are permanent residents...judging by the mailboxes.

Oh...and some have obviously lived here for a very long time!

We passed by beach houses and condos...


...with planters and window boxes in full bloom. Amazing...in January! On closer inspection we realized that these particular flowers bloom year-round...and don't require any water or fertilizer.

Now these... however, are the real thing! They may still be in for a cold shock...but yesterday they were smiling.

We made one quick side trip from the beach...that being to Bellis Fair Mall...to stock up on yummy smelling soaps from Bath & Bodyworks.

Heidi and Maelyn joined us there...and Maelyn decided it was her kind of place as well.

The sun set on our little get-away...and I returned home to find myself one year older. I know...a little birdie already told you. I'm OK with that...and thanks to all of you for good wishes. I always think birthdays are a good reason to celebrate...and it looks like I may just be doing that for the next day or two. Smile.
Enjoy the day...

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing, You always run a great commentary on your experience. And you always know how to have fun. Continue to celebrate.
    hugs,

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  2. Happy belated birthday, Judy. It sounds like it was a nice time, away at the ocean with your siblings. Dairymary

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  3. Fun to see the photos from your winter escape. Love the mailbox shots. How fun to celebrate your birthday this way.

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  4. Those mailbox shots would beautifully suit aa greeting card of some kind.
    It sounds as though you had a grand little getaway. I'm off to google Birch Bay.

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  5. Happy belated birthday, Judy. Birch Bay seems to be a popular place with Canadians. My parents enjoy taking their RV down there year round.

    How lovely to spend time with your siblings.

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  6. A belated Happy Birthday wish Judy!! Looks like you had a wonderful trip with your family. Those flowers look like primula - I had some blooming in December here. They are very hardy. We heard about that weather on the news - a little on the wild side - but isn't it fun to go to the beach afterwards? I love the waves. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

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  7. some of those trips are so meaningful and build new connections and relations as we age...nothing wrong with aging...it is wonderful.
    For a minute I thought you were talking about a singing group back east, NFLD.

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  8. My little birdie is a calendar reminder, but I did smile to read what the other little birdie had to say.

    Looks like great fun for the ones who gathered. I bet your Texas sister would've loved to have been there, too. Funny that the views of Birch Bay remind me of a Bay not so far from here. Guess ocean bays have the same look all over. Loved the mailbox pics both new and old.

    Keep on celebrating!

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  9. Happy Birthday and thank you for the lovely post and photo's...I love sea side pictures and it is always good to read of your trips!

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  10. It looks like you had a wonderful birthday Judy! Birch Bay looked like a nice spot for a get away.

    Celebrate all week -- you deserve it!

    :-)

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  11. Have a blessed birthday week. Sounds like lots of family is helping you celebrate.

    The mailbox shots were great!

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  12. Glad you could have a quick get-away like that, with family to pamper you a bit, hopefully?

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  13. My first visit to Birch Bay and an enjoyable visit it was. What a quaint seaside town. How special that you could celebrate with your sisters, and actually not have to rush. Time to sit, laugh and share together, by the sea...what could be better. Your pictures depicted the town beautifully. Thank you!

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  14. Happy Belated Birthday!

    I have been to Birch Bay only once, but I remember it being the perfect little spot.

    I agree that those mailbox pictures would make great greeting cards.

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'The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.'
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson