Have been neglecting my blog for the last couple of weeks as I travelled to Edmonton to see family. Brought some of them back with me for a longer visit - so have been enjoying their company rather than working!

Did the trip there in one long 12 hour drive, but with the little ones along on the way back, took two days so we could stop and enjoy the ride and take pictures of all the wildlife. They were really good little travellers, but it was a long haul for them.

One stop we made had hummingbird feeders all along the veranda around the restaurant and hummingbirds galore flitting around feeding from them. Counted ten in one spot, but they never sit still long enough to get a good count of them. Between the feeders, a flowering vine, a cherry tree and flowers - they had plenty of sweet syrup to sip. It was a campground and restaurant a few miles from Little Fort, and one of the employees said they call it "Hummingbird Road" because everyone has feeders out and they have an unusual amount of hummingbirds gathered there. Amazing to watch so many all in one place. (Also really good home cooked food!)

We saw quite a few animals on the drive through Jasper Park as well, some of which we stopped to photograph.

A Male elk browsing along side of the highway on the trip home. Of course we had to be like the rest of the tourists and stop to take photos.

Male Bighorn sheep. On his own here, the ewes and young ones were in their own group farther down the road.

This group of moms and young sheep wandered across to get at the gravel on the opposite side of the road.  There may be salt in the dirt - not certain what they were licking, but very busy at it. Teaching the young ones where to find what they need to survive. They are still a bit scruffy with winter wool.

Since we have arrived, we have been swimming in the warm waters of the breezy lake learning to float with water wings on; playing in water parks with other kids on sizzling hot days; picnicking in the park with family; going for walks and checking out birds, trees and flowers, and watching the deer wander through the fields and yards of the neighbourhood. We have been picking saskatoons that are ripening now and teaching about what to eat and what not to eat when outdoors - and finding out just how much fun it can be to stick burrs on each other's clothing. When we were sitting by the river in the shade while my grandson threw rocks in the river, a marmot family was getting very brave and wanting to check out the food we had brought with us to snack on. They got quite close before we decided to leave and eat our food elsewhere (just incase they got too brave!), but it gave my grandsons a good chance to watch them up close. We have been to the museum to look at fossils and talk about plants and animals that were here long ago, and learn about the more recent history of the area. We saw photos of trains going through the tunnel that we now walk through. We saw rocks that glow in the dark. We used an old, windup telephone system to talk to each other, and listened to music played on a gramophone as the needle scrolled across the cylinders.

Basically, we have been doing the same thing the ewes and their young were doing - grouping together and travelling the territory to teach the young ones about the world we live in. It's an important part of family life and I thoroughly enjoy the chance to be included for a change, instead of just hearing about the changes they have gone through and the things they have learned. While they have been here, I have seen how well my older grandson can read all on his own, and watched my younger grandson learning how to roll himself around instead of just laying in one spot kicking and gooing. It is much more fun than working on the computer all day. But soon my holiday will be over, the house will be quiet, and I will focus once again on my work.

It's a clear sunny day, the birds are singing, the air crisp and cool, and I am on my way to see family. I have decided to go straight through without stopping over this time because I want to get there as soon as possible and not waste time dawdling along the way. It's about 12 hours steady driving, stopping only to snack and walk a bit - stretch the muscles - get some air - and of course refill the gas tank. Saw deer and elk along the way - and I know there was a moose everyone had stopped to photograph, but I did not. It was hard for me to keep on driving when I knew there was a really good opportunity to take photos - but I had other plans this day. On the way home I will take my time to satisfy my photo urges.

One of the first glimpses of snowy mountain tops as I travel east into the Rockies.

Alpine meadows, rivers and lakes, and high mountains in the distance. It's beautiful country.

Another view of snowy mountain tops mid July.

Butterfly landed and posing for me at one of the stops. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the name of it. Needed a snack and some exercise to get the muscles moving. Had been driving for about 6 hours at this point.

Out wandering the trails again and noticing the plants that are blooming. The saskatoon berries are beginning to show colour too - a few are even ripe enough to eat. Occasional fruit trees from old properties that are no longer lived on dot the edge of the trail. The fruit is rather small and somewhat dry as the trees only receive the rain, no one waters them, but the birds and animals certainly love them. The nutrients are there, they just aren't juicy. At some point in history, they probably provided the needed fruit for preserves for the winter meals of a family .

Not many berries are ripe enough to eat yet, but I did find a few choice ones! Won't be long now.

I will probably leave the pears for the birds and animals. Not one of my favourite fruits at the best of times, I don't think I want one that is small and dry. There is an apple tree on the other side of the tunnel that I pick from occasionally though. they are small too, but such flavour that it makes your mouth water!

I think these are a potentilla (as opposed to a buttercup), but I am not clear on the way to tell the differences. This plant is about two feet tall and they are in bloom all over!

No idea what these are, but they are so delicate in colour and design I love them.

Gate on an unused road. Every time I pass it, I feel the urge to explore what is on the other side. Secluded and cool spot.

In the foreground is the bridge over the Tulameen River, and just a few steps behind it is the old tunnel. The highway is on the plateau above. It's a peaceful path to walk and I enjoy it immensely. Birds of all kinds flitting about and singing (even hummingbirds nesting there), deer, and of course there are bears and cougars as well, but they leave you pretty much alone.

My walks alone are important to me. Not only do I get fresh air and exercise (and get away from the computer) - I also have time to connect with the changes in nature and the seasons. It is far too easy to hide indoors most of the time these days, and when we do so, we lose touch with our place on this planet. Keep connected.

Pine needles on a blue sky day!

Where I live, one of the common trees is the lodgepole pine tree. One of the interesting things about this tree is its cones. They are sealed with a pitch that requires great heat to melt and allow the seeds to disperse. This makes it one of the first trees to begin growth in a burned area of our forests. It grows quickly (in comparison to other forest trees) and supports the wildlife and soil while other species that take longer to grow, get established. It is adaptable to varying types of soil and weather conditions, making it a very versatile tree in the wild. The  seeds can be retained for many years, ready and waiting for the right conditions to begin their growth.

I like them because they are what I am familiar with. Lodgepole, Ponderosa, Yellow Pine - they are what I have grown up around. The smell of the sap, the color and texture of the bark, the multitude of needles that baskets can be made from, all bring memories for me - like gathering cones and boughs for decoration at Christmas. There is nothing quite so pretty to me as the weight of freshly fallen snow making the branches droop.

They are just another species of tree, one variation among many - but they have a specific purpose in our forest. They don't grow all over the world, they have their limits - other species perform similar functions elsewhere. But here, they are important - not just for lumber - but for the functioning of the natural habitat.

More information on lodgepole pine can be found on the net, including the fact that the native peoples of this land used it for the poles to hold up their lodges - likely where the name originated. But I like it because of the memories it brings - the animals it feeds and shelters - and the smell. There are a few that I check out on my walks to see what birds are sheltering in them, or if the chipmunk is skipping around from branch to branch.

As little as he is, he catches our attention with the beauty of snow-laden branches. Even in winter it gives food and shelter to small creatures that venture out.

We may look at them as 'just trees', but no matter what type they are, small or large, there is a purpose for them on this planet. They are not all just window dressing that we can demolish at will. We need them - other organisms need them - the planet needs there. They have a purpose more important than just looking pretty to please us.

Serendipity today. The universe is leading me to places I need to go. Happened upon a blog with a quote from an article that got me thinking. It was a "New Yorker" magazine article on the process of success, discussing Toyota and GM. Now, really, I don't have that much interest in car companies themselves, but it was the viewpoint of the blog comment that interested me and led me to read the full article. The most important part in the whole scheme for me, was the following:
"Toyota’s approach: defining innovation as an incremental process, in which the goal is not to make huge, sudden leaps but, rather, to make things better on a daily basis. (The principle is often known by its Japanese name, kaizen—continuous improvement.) Instead of trying to throw long touchdown passes, as it were, Toyota moves down the field by means of short and steady gains. And so it rejects the idea that innovation is the province of an elect few; instead, it’s taken to be an everyday task for which everyone is responsible."

It started me thinking -- and I realized that this is the way I approach my own self-improvement. No sense in trying for the touchdown passes as I am not especially great at creating flash-in-the-pan projects. I don't usually get much out of other people's flashy projects either, thus the lack of enthusiasm. It may catch my attention for a few days, but then it is gone. I prefer something lasting and with substance. Things I can work on bit by bit and know that at some point in the future I will be able to look back and know that there has been improvement. In the mean time I am not dragged down, worn out and exhausted ....... I can still enjoy life while I improve whatever I am working on at the time. I don't believe the no-pain-no-gain philosophy should be applied to everything. Yes, sometimes we suffer pains and we benefit by recognizing the gains from them. But, I don't look at it as a blanket theory that covers everything in life. I believe a person should be able to enjoy the journey, and how can you do that if you are constantly correcting or berating yourself. It doesn't work for me.

Kaizen as described however, is a philosophy I can put my heart into. Bite sized bits of improvement that I can sink my teeth into one piece at a time, chew it up, savour it, swallow and ingest, and use the energy it provides to carry me forward. I am good at looking at the big picture - of following processes through to see what effect they will have on the end result or steps in between. I am also good at playing with new ideas and experimenting, not worrying about the end result. Just do it and see what happens. Both processes have their place, and both can be used to improve systems - and life is a system. Not only in terms of biological systems that integrate to create the human body system as a whole, but also in terms of being an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles and doctrines that we each compile in our mind to live by. It's good to open systems up for review on a regular basis. To weigh the processes against system health - in this case, our own specific criteria for enjoyment, happiness or success however we define it, and change them accordingly when they don't measure up.

Have no fear of making mistakes, because without them we learn very little. We can always change the process again if it doesn't live up to expectations. And don't be too picky about who has input. Sometimes, some of the best input comes from the least likely places. Ponder it all - discard the ludicrous. Try out what appeals to you. Try it in bite sized chunks that you can savour the flavour of for a while.

The original blog that I stumbled across - he has some interesting posts to read through. bookofjoe

The "New Yorker" article by James Surowiecki - The Open Secret of Success
"The New Yorker" usually has some thought-provoking articles, it's a good site to check over now and then - or subscribe if you like it lots.

A group of ecological systems that struck me as really beautiful! Photo taken between Keremeos and Hedley, B.C. just a few days ago. Some storms in the distance as I was heading home.

Biological systems at work browsing the pasture. Notice the birds on the back of the first two horses - doing their job as well as getting a ride.

Some mechanical systems being drooled over and talked about. These mechanical systems get a regular review and are altered frequently by biological systems! We see the results every year with new car launches. They use both approaches to changing cars it seems, the kaizen (methodically over time) and the touchdown (splashy, attention-grabbing immediate changes to show instant results). 108 registrants in the show, by the way, - not bad for a small town. Perfect weather - not too hot, not raining - a few came for a picnic on my lawn afterward - all in all, a good day!

I have finally come to completion on most of the little reno projects I have been doing (some before and after photos below.) It is amazing how making one change in a room can make such a huge difference in how you feel when you walk in to it. I was reasonably satisfied with what I had - satisfied enough to live with it for these past two years - but always had visions in my head of something just a little different.

My art corner where I work feels so much cleaner and lighter now. I have loads of things to work with - painting and drawing supplies; mixed media paraphernalia - then my sewing corner is nearby, so I have fabrics hidden away as well. It was not easy to figure out how to hide it all. Now, it holds all the same things, but the room feels brighter - feels less weighty even though the floor is darker. But perhaps that is part of it - the floor carries the weight now, and the objects on it don't seem such a heavy burden.

Before, with the carpet still in place. I took out the carpet, moved the desk around, painted the bookcase and added a couple of pictures. It is very much the same, but it feels totally different when I walk in the room.

I still have all my art supplies here, and still have the view out my window and the light from it. But, now, if I want to clean I just need to pick up the broom or the  duster and in a matter of moments I am done.

The bathroom was just a mess - plain and simple. It was the only room in the house that I have known since the beginning needed drastic change. It felt cramped, impossible to clean, and ugly! Now, when I walk in I feel better. When it is complete, I will walk in with a smile on my face, knowing it is clean, and I can easily keep it that way.

This was before - horrible sink that leaked, all the goodies for the new sink piled under the chair ready and waiting - the door off the vanity waiting for the disconnect of the sink. The shelving just inside the door crowded me when I walked in. It just wasn't a pretty sight (and this is after I covered up the green-patterened wall paper!)

Still some things to do here, but the change in the room is huge. When I walk in the door, there is space around me. I love my sink - so I can overlook the fact that I don't have the doors on the vanity yet  : )  I know they are coming along. It feels so much cleaner too. The baseboard stacked behind the chair is for behind the toilet - that will get done when I redo the floor.

It's kind of like life really. If there are things that you don't feel good about and you change them to something that puts a smile on your face - you feel good about yourself and good about the world. It doesn't have to be attacked all at once - just pick some small thing that pulls you down or makes you feel bored, and replace it with something that makes you smile. It is that simple. Yes, it has taken me several weeks to get this all done. First I had to plan what I was going to do, make all the decisions and purchase the supplies. Then I had to move out everything that was in the rooms already (and believe me - that was no small task - I have alot of things and a small house). Then I had to get busy and do the work whether I was in the mood or not - whether I was tired and sore or not- even when I had other things to do as well. And even after that part was done, I still had to move all the things back in, deciding in the process what was not going to be included this time. The same with life. Decide what needs changing; make the decisions on what you need to do to change it; set out a plan for working on it; decide what you are going to replace it with; sort out what is not going to be included in your life once the changes are made; and plan how you are going to integrate the new habits or attitudes in to your real life.

There is still a short list of deficiencies, things still to be done, and some minor adjustments as I go along, but that too is life. It is a journey, a process. Nothing is ever perfect forever. We change, circumstances around us change, adjustments must be made on a continuing basis. Sometimes it is bloody hard work. Sometimes we just don't want to do what has to be done. But if we want the results we dream of, we have to buckle down and get to it. Like Nike says "Just Do It" . The results are more than worth it!

Links for changing your house;
Do It Yourself Network - includes home improvement, outdoors, crafts, woodworking, product info - everything you need to know to tackle an improvement project with lots of videos for visual help.
http://www.diynetwork.com/

Home Depot - too many categories to mention here, but they include indoor/outdoor projects, building supplies, tools and hardware and lots of videos. You can search for information on almost anything that might come up.
http://diy.homedepot.ca/diy/landing.jsp?N=0&langId=-15

These are just a place to start. Type what you are looking for into google search, and you will find it!


Links for changing you;

So many of these available, just keep searching until you find a site that offers what you need, and presents in a manner that you are comfortable with, that makes sense to you.

Change Your Life- this free site provides some basic tips on how or where to start the changes.
http://www.livingorsurviving.com/

Gaia - This site is a whole community. You can stretch your body with Yoga or Tai Chi, or stretch your mind in the community space with connections to help you live a greener more peaceful life. You need to enroll, but there is not cost. It is worth exploring.

http://www.gaia.com/

It is barely 4 a.m. as I begin to write this post. Moisture hangs heavy in the air and it cleanses the soul as I breathe it in. Birds are singing their hearts out - robins are loudest, orioles next, and all manner of other smaller and quieter ones in the background. I hear the river running at the base of the mountain in front of me, and behind me, traffic coming down the hill on the highway. Sound travels clearly. It is one of my favourite times of the day. Not specifically 4 a.m. but rather the time when it is not still night, but not quite day either. In-between-time. The waking hour.  It is the time when I feel most intuned with spirit, perhaps because I am not still asleep but not quite awake either. I am as nature is, breaking in to the day slowly. Full of energy for new growth. My mind can focus with little to distract it. It is a meditative time of day when one looks forward with hopeful anticipation of new opportunities.

What the heck am I doing up at this hour? Well, when summer finally arrives here, the temperature in the middle of the day can get to be hot enough to negate any enjoyment trying to accomplish manual tasks, especially outdoors. So I enjoy getting up at daybreak and getting things done while it is cool and refreshing. Then, if I sit quietly mid day, I don't feel guilty about not getting chores done. I can take a break. Rather than fighting the heat I can sit and enjoy it. At the very least, I can get up to open doors and windows, let the cool air into the house, and chase away the stuffiness from being closed up all night. It's so much nicer than breathing air-conditioned air all day. A few trees drop the temperature considerably.

It is cherry season and we had a rain storm yesterday. With it came thunder and lightening and hail stones. If there is too much rain, the cherries become laden with moisture, and when the hot sun comes back to shine on them they split. Once they have split, they deteriorate rapidly. Hail stones bruise the fruit and it begins to rot very easily. We always get some rain and hail with hot days interspersed. It is the curse of any orchardists with cherry trees - at least those with cherries that ripen at the traditional  time. There are new varieties that ripen later now - which is a good thing for the pocket books of the orchardists - but I am not sure it is a good thing for nature. Maybe yes, maybe no.

Yesterday's moisture still clings to blades of grass- the needles of evergreens. The white blossoms of the daisies stand out as any light there is seems to bounce off them and catch your attention. Blossoms are vibrant. My patio thermometer says 64F.

About 4:30 a.m. Just barely coming light. This is the stage I love.

The sun is high enough over the hills to touch the trees and illuminate them with golden light.

64F converts to about 18C. Just a day or so ago it was 100F on my patio thermometer at supper time - that converts to about 38C. Quite a change for a body to acclimate to after such a cool, wet spring. That's one reason I prefer to get up early and take advantage of the coolness - it spreads the body's acclimation process out and by September I may just be used to the heat!    ;  )

A rain storm approaching. Yesterday's came from the east and brought a deluge - but only for a short time - enough to clean the air. Enough lightening to balance the energy (and start a couple of forest fires before it reached here.)

This photo was taken a week ago - these are some of the later variety that will probably survive intact as they are not as ripe as the traditional cherries yet.