Odds and Ends from an October Weekend

AO pruned the plum tree.
It had not produced any fruit and it's aphid masses had attracted hornets and wasps by the thousands, so it was time to say goodbye.  He will be replaced by a smaller plum and two black currants. 

HK worked away on the gutters on the sheds.
They were very full of leaves and dirt. 

The view of the completed ocean side of the house. 

The post bases on the deck railing received some support bases to increase their strength. 

A lovely green stained glass piece has been added to the gate. 

View from the other direction. 

Bamboo and Pieris in their New Home

The new bamboo plants (Fargesia rufa) and the Silver Flame Pieris have finally been placed into their new homes under the octagon window. 

Before and After for the Deck Side, Formerly the Water Storage Tank Side

Spring 2008 - The big water tanks are visible behind the cedar trees.
They were moved down the hill and are still in service.

Fall 2011 - The big deck now sits where the tanks were and we have a carport underneath the deck.

View underneath the carport.

Driveway Side Before and After

View from the driveway in Spring 2008.

Fall 2011 the trees have grown as has the house. 

The Octagon End of the House

Spring 2008

Fall 2011

The Fabulous Growth of the Honey Locust

July 2010 the label said "fast grower 50 to 60 feet"

September 2011 - and in the first year the Honey Locust grew at least 3 feet up and filled in a lot.

A Few More Wildberry Moments

Xeranthemum

Artichoke

Butterfly in the pole beans.

Pole beans continue to flower.

Tomatoes are ripening in the summer sunshine.

The sweet peas are continuing to share their flowers. 

The new gate has been installed.
In the background you can see the siding on the end of the house. 

A Day on Quesnel Lake

HK relaxing in the canoe.

Lots of frogs live among the water lillies and irises.

Bare feet in the bright sunshine. 

A perfect day on the lake. 

Beach Day

We stopped at Marion Creek on the way to Tofino.
After a scramble down the rocks we found a chilly mountain stream.

HK would only put his finger in the water, but that's more than AK and AO did!

Pretty green blue water and grey rocks - the future shades of our new bathroom :)

A nice spot out of the wind for a snooze.

Tofino Sky

It was a very windy day, lots of waves were crashing on the beach. 

The gulls were sleeping in the sand.
They didn't seem interested in moving much.

Deck Re-Finishing

A year's worth of nastiness was powerwashed off deck. 

Up close and personal with the removal of the grey, weathered skin.

How things looked after the second round of power washing and  chemical treatment.

Application of the deck sealer.

Work took place in the evening or in the shady portions of the deck first.

Colour contrast between the stained and unstained parts of the cedar. 

Wildberry Summer

HK's home made deck boxes are almost ready.

Indian Pipe in the forest.

Our last harvest of peas - 8 gallons were collected this year.

Fabulous stargazer lillies.

Tomatoes are starting to get some colour!.
Fortunately the deer left the fruit behind when they attacked the plants.

Nature's best!

This year's baby swallows are about to fledge.
They've been very demanding and their parents have been diligent in bug hunting for their supper.

HK and CK offload horse manure compost to keep the garden happy!

Lemon gems and bachelor buttons in the afternoon sunshine. 

Swallowtail on the Sweetwilliams

We hope that this year we will actually get some tomatoes!