The Birth House - Ami McKay

I just finished this book. Now what you need to do is go out to the closest book store and read this book.

I love it. I don't want to tell you anything about it because I'm worried I will give it away. So my advice to you go read it your self.

Two thumbs up!

Pretty & Pink

The smallest things can some time be the most beautiful.

Where you wanna go?

Hey mom! Where do you wanna go?

This is such a comical photo to me. Sort of cartoon like.

It's funny to me because King could probably drive better then me anyways.

Mr. Nosy

HELLO!

Mr. King poking his nose out to say hello. We were waiting for the ferry, we were going to take him for a quick walk, apparently he was very very excited.

I love this photo, he is just so happy.

The Cabbage

Skunk cabbage. Pretty enough plant however, I wouldn't put it in your kitchen. When the time is right the smell is ... well ... the name is self explanatory. Skunk Cabbage.

Along the trail the cabbage was everywhere, but the time is not right so there was nothing horrible to smell.

I always liked the look of the Skunk Cabbage, the smell is well another story.

Mom and the Boys

Car ride with the boys. Headin' up island for the weekend. They were extremely excited, they had smiles the whole way up there, well until we got to the ferry. Boys didn't like the ferry ride much.

New Friends

New best friends. These two were slightly crazy all day. Jumping around, exploring the woods and just jumping on each other. They were defiantly entertaining. Dogs can be so care free when they play with one another.

Rain on the water

Rain on the water! Such a neat sound.

Blanket of Mist

It's as if the fog or mist is covering the mountain like blanket. Tucking it in for the night.

Babbling Brook

Heaven on Earth

A picture is worth a thousand words. This lake is just heaven on earth.

HIdden Beauty

Spooky! Beauty!

Up on the mountain it is amazing what you will find. So much hidden beauty. So peaceful. So clean and pure.

The air smells and feels different. You can hear your own thoughts, the wind passing through the trees.

You can feel the mist lightly kissing your face, just letting you know it's there.

Sidewalk Art

There is a man that sits on the side of the sidewalk and draws to his hearts content. His work is lined up beside each other, however, it's done in chalk so when it rains the art gets washed away. Very beautiful and this man is extremely talented.

I love the colors and the picture and the position of the women. She is just enjoying her day, feeling the cool breeze coming off the lake. So peaceful, day dreaming.

Best Buns In Town

Driving on the highway and we were stuck in traffic due to an accident. This truck pulled in front of us. I started giggling. THIS IS THE BEST SLOGEN EVER!

Plus 6 Mile bakery does have very very tasty bread(s). mmmm and its local even better!

Wonderful Way to Start the Day

I love waking up in the morning. Crawling out of bed. Walk into the kitchen and start to make a lovely cup of coffee. Once my coffee is made I love it when both my boys are still asleep or possibly outside so I can just sit and enjoy the delicious coffee. It the best way to start the day well to me anyways.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

I don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, however, I have found I rather enjoy baking. I figured I would start of easy and work my way up to what I think are more difficult. Baking on my own for the first time I thought a traditional Chocolate Chip cookie would be appropriate. I must say I surprised myself. I did not burn anything, or catch anything on fire! YAY!

I was just finishing up the last batch when Drew came home. I made him eat one immediately and he enjoyed it. I was worried I had some how managed to mess it up, but my Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies were a SUCCESS!

1 cup softened butter

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

3 cup oats

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/4 all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups chocolate chip

1. Pre heat oven to 350 F

2. Cream together the butter, white sugar & brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, the stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water, add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips & oats. Drop dough onto ungreased pan.

3. Bake for about 10 mins or until edges are nicely browned.

White Roses

First the red the the white. My front yard is coming alive ... it's ALIVE!!! :)

Morning After

Morning after a night of rain. The pathway to my door was dry but there were little rain drops on the blades of grass.

A Simple Rose ... a Whole Bush

3 days later...

My simple rose turned into a whole bush. Crazy how fast flowers bloom. Still beautiful and there are only more to come!

Bubble Water

I was walking to the bus one day and on my way to the bus stop I have to pass this park. It is a very pretty park, little play ground, benches and a fountain. I looked over at this park to find that someone had put soap in the fountain. This is not the first time I've seen this fountain flooded with bubbles before but I never had a camera or time to take a picture.

I always giggle a little when I see bubbles in the fountain. I think of young kids with mom's dish soap pouring it in the water.

A Simple Rose

My rose bush has a rose!!! This such a pretty bush then all my roses are all bloomed. They dance right out side my window and they are such a lovely shade of red with a hint of pink.

Every year with out fail they bloom just to let me know that t-shirt weather is coming.

Mystery Flower

Spring is upon us. These little suckers are all over my yard. I haven't the slightest idea what these are but they are pretty and just so dainty.

When I first saw them I thought of Alice in Wonderland...for some odd reason. I don't think that there are flowers like this were in the original but non the less that is what I thought of. A mini trip down the rabbit hole.

House Hippo

Does anyone remember the 'House Hippo' commercial that was on tv for the longest time? Well Drew sure does! It was a cute yet bazaar commercial. As you are watching it you have to question, 'Is the house hippo a real animal?' I think that this commercial was pretty well done. I bet there are children out there who still think that the house hippo is real.

I bought Drew his very own 'House Hippo' to congratulate him on a job well done for a course that he finished. He laughed when I gave it to him.

Here is where you can find the commercial. Check it out. 'House Hippo Commercial'

Got the message

The top of City Hall.

Go down here Saturdays and there always seems to be something going on. They had a live band going on, however I didn't understand a word they were saying, it was in French and I don't speak French. But it was awesome to see that there were so many people dancing and singing along. It was really awesome to just feel the energy that was being put out by everyone there. It didn't matter that I didn't understand the language I got the message they were sending out.

Any other say of the week that you end up down by CIty Hall its a pretty place to take your lunch break, read a book or just take it all in. Sit on the grass under a tree and catch a few zzz or relax on the bench and listen to the birds. There are hidden gems all over this city just gotta explore to find them.

Correction Plum Tree

I love when all the blossoms come out and they smell SO pretty. So dainty and new. I feel like I should be wearing white summer dress, with a lace umbrella, sitting at a little table sipping on tea under the tree.

Walking through the streets and all the trees have or are well on there way to blooming. I was telling Drew how I thought it was a Cherry Tree when a lady who had a thick accent of some sort corrected me. It is a Japanese Plum Tree. She was very sweet and directed us to where we could find different colour plum trees. We thanked her and went on our way. I think she though we were from out of town. I get that a lot when I have my camera out. I don't mind though I always learn something new.

All Around the World

Walking through beautiful downtown Victoria and found a beautiful floating silver world. It is quiet the attraction. Stood at the spot for quiet some time for the spot to clear of people. Children love to touch and twist the world around. There was one young boy asking his Dad 'What's this place called?' he kept asking every time the world turned. It was really cute. Children are like sponges, soaking it all in.

The world is floating in water and you can move it which ever way you'd like. It's pretty neat actually. You can find it across the street from the entrance of China town.

Check it out!

Chicken Noodle Soup

mmMMMMmmm homemade chicken noodle soup. Nothing taste better then chicken noodle soup when you're sick.

Chop up some carrots and a chicken breast. Sometimes its nice to add a little extra meat so for variety add some diced up garlic sausage (so yummy) throw it in the chicken broth. OH and don't for get to the add the noodles to the 'Chicken Noodle Soup'

mmm so delicious and always fixes a cold.

Through the gate

King was so happy, as you can see. He was smiling away while sitting outside, the sun shining down on us. He was actually keeping an eye out for Drew to come home. I was sitting in our front yard reading and Drew went for a run. King was very upset that he did not get to go, so he sat next to me watching for Drew to come running up the road.

As you can see a dog can smile and it is quiet visible. King was so bouncy (as he always is when his Dad comes home). As soon as Drew came through the gate King was all about the kisses. He loves Drew so much, mans best friend such sums up those two. He is such an emotional dog and he shows ever bit of it. Happy, sad, anger and scared... He sets up obstacles and emotional walls just like us people do and let me tell yea they were NOT easy to get through but I did and so did he. He is just a big, warm teddy bear to me now.

And he smiles when I walk through that gate now too.

Pink Bicycle

BEST BURGER JOINT I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO!

www.pinkbicycleburger.com

Went here for lunch the other day. All local food and let me tell you it was absolutely delicious! It is a very elegant yet modern restaurant. I have the Pink Bike Cheese Burger and wow!!! I ate the whole thing and it left me wanting more... so good.

If you check out there site it shows you there whole menu. If you live or ever visit Victoria, BC this a must go to place. You won't regret it.

The party of people I went with, we all had something different and so we had a little taste and I was NOT disappointed by anything on that table.

The staff is very friendly and helpful. They make you feel right at home!

And if you feel like having a lovely night in with your special someone and you want a yummy delicious burger and fries they do TAKE OUT!

Stop in and try the Pink Bicycle!

H2O

I think that it is extremely classy when you go into a restaurant and they give you water in a wine bottle. Just add that extra little something. Plus that way you don't have to keep bothering the waitress for it more water. I think that more restaurants should do this. It looks better then bring a jug of water to the table, plus the jug of water sweats all over the table, then you can't put your arms on the table.

two thumbs up for wine bottle water!!!

Flicker

There is something about candles that is so soothing and calming. Sit and staring at the flame is so memorizing, every now and then it flickers, kinda snaps you out of your trance for a second. Candles are very useful if you really think about it. They set all sorts of moods: romantic candles lit dinner, dramatic movies where the bad guy managed to kill the power, peaceful calming baths, when your power actually goes out they provide light to read, candles light the way. Candles can set any mood AND they can look and feel different. I personally like floating tea lights.