daily life as life goes on . . .

Last year the challenge to climb to the top of the local mountain here in Summerland was avoided.  The day of the attempt I was feeling nauseous and Jill realized her limitations.  So we literally backed down!

This week I decided to try again.  The first part of the trail is a winding switchback road.  As I ascended I met a vehicle.  One of us had to back down, the other to find a safe place to pass.  That accomplished, we both continued.  Intent on the road and with no barriers keeping you from falling off the edge, the ascent was “interesting” (take that how you may!).

A parking lot of sorts appeared at the end of the road, but more climbing was needed.  I exited the car and headed straight up the mountain.  Side trails allowed for a more gradual climb, but I chose to huff and puff my way to the top.

As the peak loomed nearer, so did the sound of the wind.  Atop the mountain (really just a jut of rock that is bigger than any prairie protuberance) I glanced around.  Then I listened. 

Aside from the whistle of the wind, there were the sounds of the valley below.  Loudest noises came from vehicles – the truck whose muffler was noisy, and the tractor slowly climbing the roadway.  There was the single engine plane that flew by – at a lower altitude than I was at.  And the general noise – nothing distinguishable but all there!

As I descended, I realized I had been so intent on reaching the summit I had missed various scenic turnouts.  A lady was walking the trail for exercise.  A couple had ascended together and were cheerfully enjoying each others presence. 

While the climb was centered on reaching the top, the descent became an enjoyment of all that surrounded me.  And what an enjoyment!

I noticed, as I toured Penticton, that flowers were still in bloom.  The killing frost is not far behind – but flowers do what they do best.

Bloom.

In the beginning of the season and at the end of the season.  They are not rushing off to find shelter.  Their first concern is the main concern.  Bloom where you are planted, no matter when.

Now, some horticulturalist will point out that plants do take into account the seasons.  And rightly so.  A flower in winter is a dead flower – in fact, can’t even bloom.  But within the season of time for flowering, there is no time at which they stop and ask:  “Should I flower right now?”

So, here is one of those flowering buds that caught my attention yesterday.  And today on my walk there was frost on the car windows.  Thanks for flowers that bloom right until the end of the season!

As I listened to the radio this morning, the weather forecast was bright.  The announcers figured this was not bad for October. 

Expectations for the area are around 20 degrees Celcius.  The temperature at awakening was around 1 degree Celcius.  Didn’t even get below freezing.

Meanwhile, back in sunny Saskatchewan, the temperatures have been in the single digits – overnight below zero, during the day above zero! 

 So, I was out for a brisk 20 minute walk this morning.  The air is fresh and the grass is still green (where it had been watered over a dry summer).  The plants are looking good and even the flowers are still in bloom.  A reminder that good weather, good soil and good care make for pleasant surroundings.  Even for the soul!

36 years ago was a day of rain, snow and wind.  The tides of the weather didn’t dampen our wedding day.  And even today, I am thankful – as we were that Thanksgiving time in 1976.

Thanks to God for the opportunity to live “under God” in a great marriage.  Thanks to Jill for love and support over our time together.  The memories remain!