
















Rock on,
The WB
Rock on,
The WB
It’s been very hot and dry here and the family has been walking to the ever-shrinking creek nearby, to cool off. When Bowzer’s daddy and siblings are involved, there will be critters found!
First up – a froggy friend getting a ride on Daddy’s shoulder:
Next up: a crayfish was found (and quickly released).
Bowser got brave and worked on his swimming skills (not his favourite activity, but needs must at times 😉). We were all very excited to see him actually swim in case you couldn’t figure that out 😂:
We went to our favourite tree, dubbed the Magic Tree. It seems a bit other-worldly, with all those exposed roots in the water. So many little fish love to hide and swim among these roots:
Bowser loves climbing on this tree to better watch all the water shenanigans.
Although Bowser is not a fan of swimming per se, he loves exploring the shallower parts of the creek.
Here he is, crossing the creek where it is shallow enough he doesn’t have to swim (always his first choice!):
We eventually made our way back home again, but it didn’t mean the critter fest stopped. Bowser’s big brother (henceforth to be known as The Snake Whisperer) found the most beautiful little snake in my garden. Who was quite content to wrap him/herself around his hand and observe us all. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – just saying!
All this exploring and critter-talk makes a body tired:
We hope you have some fun this weekend, and also take time to rest.
Rock on,
The WB
Bowser here. Oma has been pretty busy the past couple of weeks so I’ve had to stay over at Mommy and Daddy’s more than I am used to, during the day. There have been big white trucks in the front yard and strangers over at Oma’s. Here is a picture of me looking good at Oma’s – she just washed her kitchen yum-yum room mat and I am decorating it.
Oma asked me to show you what she has been busy with.
Here are the before/in-progress photos.
And here are the photos of after.
Oma is so happy! She says now she has another useful room in her little house.
Bowser says he hopes you have time to play this weekend. Oma says she will be busy painting the entryway.
Rock on,
The Bowz 🐾
When I bought my new patio furniture I knew I was going to get a lot of use and enjoyment out of it. I didn’t realize how much someone else would enjoy it as well.
We hope your weekend is filled with snacks and lounging in the shade.
Rock on,
The WB
Donna came over to my house last month (surprise, surprise), one of several visits actually. I forget why or what we were doing this particular time but I don’t forget what I made for lunch! Or was it supper?! 🤣
My daughter had served me this meal previously, and I not only thought it delicious but perfect for my mostly-vegetarian friend and co-host. Here is the recipe: Instant-Pot Mujadara.
I would describe this lentil and rice dish as comfort food that is easy to prepare, and quite healthy (as opposed to most comfort foods 😉). I think you could spice it up easily, if you wanted. For my first time making it (don’t you love how I make my guests my guinea pigs?), I made and served it exactly as the recipe stated. I don’t know who I am anymore either. I made it the day before so there would be less time in the kitchen and more Donna-time.
That’s what was on my plate in June! I’ll be adding this recipe to my repertoire, especially for the colder months. Please join Donna and myself in sharing what was on yours, either in the Comments or via the Link party (if you wish to link your blog post).
Rock on,
The WB
Last Sunday the whole pack went on a road trip to see Bowser’s “other” grandparents for their birthdays (only 1 day apart!). Grandma Judy suggested we go for a walk on a trail she had discovered nearby.
We hope your weekend has some fun walks and some chill times too. Happy Canada Day long weekend, to my fellow Canadians!
Rock on,
The WB
Warning: Picture-heavy post!
Pole beans and squash in raised beds:
Wind chime that followed me home from the Butchart Gardens gift shop:
My tea/herb garden this year:
Hostas and lupin that emerged this spring:
Planted a foam flower in front of the bird bath. Hope it does well in its new home:
The black currant I planted this spring:
One of the two elderberries I planted this spring:
One of the 3 bare-root black raspberries, also planted this spring:
My fig tree (new to my garden) – which looked for the longest time like a bare stick planted in a pot – is now leafed out and (gasp!) growing actual figs:
I bought a patio set for the new patio and pergola. Very comfortable and doubles as an outdoor dining space (long-time readers may recognize the dick pillows):
I have not forgotten to make my garden magical at night. These are solar colour-changing dragonflies (a gift from my landlords, for Mother’s Day last year):
Solar lantern on the patio table:
Fairy lights (also solar), under the wisteria:
And my most stunning solar light, in front of the black currant. Weighted down with a cool rock I found on Bowser’s Secret Trail:
Close-up of the light in action:
Full-effect of this particular solar light. Isn’t it stunning?
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses. Future plans include enjoying the harvest, building 2 more raised beds, and creating a fire pit space!
Rock on,
The WB
I’ve said it many times and it still holds true: A tired doggo is a good doggo.
We hope you are having a boss doggo type of weekend.
Rock on,
The WB
…And like most births, it was accompanied by long hours of sweat, pain, cursing, and some blood loss 😉. I will let the pictures do the talking for the most part, as this is going to a very picture heavy post of the backyard transformation at my new home.
So that’s it for the bare bones of this garden. The next garden post will be what it looks like now!
Rock on,
The WB
Bowser’s momma bought him a new harness and leash.
The harness is a beautiful fluorescent orange.
The leash may be new, but Bowser already knows he gets to carry it to the end of our street.
The new gear is working well.
The harness provides a sharp contrast between dog and environment.
Sorry, Bowz…you no longer blend right in!
Luckily, Bowser doesn’t even care. Just so long as he can be out adventuring!
We hope you find some adventure this weekend.
Rock on,
The WB