Sunflowers and corn.
Synonymous with September.
Especially September of 2020.
One week after my sister's passing...
Dad passed away peacefully.
We had a small graveside ceremony...
just his local children and grandchildren...
great-grandaughter Ranen who played violin...
and one brother.
It was a special time of remembering someone who lived life to the fullest until the end.
One day we will be together again.What a day that will be!
Though the Canada / Us border remains closed...
the smoke from the fires in Washington, Oregon and California wafted across freely.
There were many days when we barely saw the sun...
and the mountains were all lost in the haze.
My rose bush was appropriately named for such a time as this.
'Lady of the Mist'.
And the zinnias were a bright spot on those dreary days.
September 11th is a date that is hard to forget...
but with all that was happening over here, it almost slipped by.
His sister remembered that he had a birthday!
We will do better at celebrating it next year.
Thankful for him and the blessings of this past year.
And then there was our sweet Maggie who had her 12th birthday.
She loves soccer, and long-distance running, and swinging with her sister.
She loves to win at games.
She is kind and cares for those on the sidelines.
She celebrated with her cousins...
since parties aren't encouraged this year.
She documented the fun with her birthday gift.
Who knew that Polaroid cameras would be a big hit again one day?
We ended the month with a little getaway to the Okanagan Valley...
Gallagher Lake in Oliver.
What a surprise to meet up with good friends at the campground when we arrived!
We cycled the trails together...
...past vineyards
...and orchards.
Up hills and down.
Until we could cycle no more!
What are the chances of us both getting flat tires on our bikes?
His tires are both flat...
despite the 'puncture resistant' label.
My bike has a flat rear tire.
I won't even go into the saga of how that unfolded...except to say that I sat beside the road waiting to be rescued for a few hours.
Until darkness arrived!
If you ever cycle in the desert area of our province...
beware of puncture vines!
As the sun sets on September,
As for Gallagher Lake...
we really enjoyed our stay and would love to return one day.
We stopped in Keremeos to stock up on plums, peaches and nectarines...
known as the fruit capital of Canada for a reason.
Maybe the pumpkin capital too?
As the sun sets on September,
the corn fields of home are ready for harvest.
October has arrived!
Judy,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about your Dad and sister. We know we will see them again. Your pictures are so pretty.
What a month...I am feeling the little prickles in my eyes. Challenges that you have risen to in a remarkable way showing us that life goes on both sides of the veil. They are safely home.
ReplyDeleteWe have a life situation going on over here... In discussing it, the old hymn "Moment by Moment" came up. What sweet lyrics with that age old story.
Happy Belated Birthday to Elmer. Some years, birthdays are duds. 😏 Who says that you can't celebrate October 11?!
A blessed October to you and all the family. 🍁🧡🍂
(I have never heard of puncture vines. Not that there is any danger of my finding out.)
We had never heard of puncture vines either, but the bike shops seem to have a booming business in that area, fixing flat tires caused by the thorns of that invasive vine.
DeleteYou are singing 'Moment by Moment' over there. I have the words to the old hymn 'Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here' tacked up in my office. Great old hymns...for times like these.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
ReplyDeleteI remember wheb we used to visit my daughter in Smithers that the fruit lorries from Okanagan used to come to the town and sell the most amazing fruit.
My deepest sympathy at the loss of your dad. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by you all. I guess the trade off for the smoky skies are the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy this month!
ReplyDeleteLovely post with beautiful pictures. I am so very sorry for your loses. God bless and comfort you,
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September has been a month filled with sadness and joy for you - like much of life. I've never heard of puncture vines, but will keep an eye out for them if we ever bike in that area. The smoky skies were (are) not pleasant, but they made for some unique and beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you ... what a sad time, and yet you have celebrated your dad's life in a beautiful way and gone on to make the most of your days. I love the sunflowers and cornstalks, a reminder of generations of life on the farm.
ReplyDeleteOh what a month you've had! So much sadness and huge losses. You have handled it all with such grace Judy! You have captured some beautiful images amongst the haze. Hugs ...
ReplyDeleteComing in late with your September remembering post. A September that will be forever remembered for so many reasons. Beautiful and poignant photos. Hugs...
ReplyDeleteSeptember will always hold precious memories for you of loved ones you cherished. And then there are those you love who are still full of youthfulness and bring such joy. And, you and Elmer continue to enjoy adventures together.
ReplyDeleteI didn't mean to miss so many posts.....I haven't been a very faithful friend to you lately and I am sorry.....
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