Or also, and in other words, why and how my days have been Full and Fun and (a bit) Fatiguing and also (somewhat) Frazzled.
A Mostly Pictorial Approach today. . .
So. . . there was the gallery visit with the Eleven — she spotted the courtesy chairs hanging on the wall and grabbed us a couple, so we plunked ourselves down and sketched impressions of Denyse Thomasos’ magnificent paintings at the Just Beyond exhibition at Vancouver Art Gallery (closes April 1st). As always, I let her set the pace and also determine when it’s time for lunch in the gallery bistro. We walked the 6-kilometre roundtrip from home with nary a complaint from her (ice cream on the way might have had an effect). Great day.
A day with her and her brother. We took the local SeaBus for a tourists-at-home adventure. . . so much to see and do for the cost of a public transit ticket (and kids under 12 ride free!).
Scarcely a squabble all day . . .
Meanwhile, out on the terrace “garden” . . . .
all these nascent blooms and foliage,
all the tender pinks and greens . . .
inspired me to choose a less-practical-than-navy colour for the Spring coat I’ve been needing the last few years. Or, rather, to try on the pink when the only navy in my size was scooped up already. . .
The corylopsis, I suppose, has been teaching me a bit about the subtle drama and simple joy and soothing calm of a good pastel. . .
Thrilled about this Corylopsis Spicata’s spring blooms — it’s a ridiculous plant for our terrace, chosen by me with deep fondness 5 or 6 years ago . . . and pruned without my permission by the other resident in its second year here (admittedly, because it’s such a ridiculous choice here, taking up so much space at an awkward height. . . )
I wouldn’t say I necessarily pouted or chided (I certainly didn’t stamp my feet!) . . . but I was very disappointed when the severe pruning (at the wrong time of year — it blooms on old wood!) meant no blooms at all the following spring, nor last year. . . but wow! it’s studded with these dainty yellow bells right now, all ready to welcome the mason bees as they emerge (I hope!) this weekend. . .
That pocket is CAPACIOUS! — and there’s its match on the other side, within which there’s a smaller pocket just the right size for my cell-phone. (And there’s a great little buttoned “secret pocket” — except I just told you 🤷♀️ — in the inside lining, which is made in a fabulous graphic-patterned fabric)
Why, yes I did. Yes, I did stop to admire and photograph my new coat and I, on our way to my Italian class last Saturday (I love how well it goes with my red umbrella)
After Italian class, the last of this session, we all went out to an Italian restaurant . . . honestly, at the end of a week that included dental surgery and far too many subsequent meds, some of them sleep-disturbing (especially the one that had to be taken in the wee hours, with a full glass of water!), I was tired by the time I got home. . . but Happy. Tired but very content.
And on Sunday? A walk with some siblings and their partners along one of my mom’s favourite paths — it was her birthday last week and will be the anniversary of her death next week, and I think we’ve done a memorial walk like this each year since, although I know I’ve been away for some of them.
Then Sunday afternoon we went to a delightful concert by two Early Music ensembles — that culminated in a rousing rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah chorus, for which the audience had been coached before the concert so that we were ready to Sing Along as appropriate. Many endorphins were released as the very satisfying program unrolled (and the counter-tenor, oooh! The Other Resident here said he had tears in his eyes; there really is something about that range, ethereal and yet powerful, spiritual really).
I have also finished a raccoon and its wardrobe, all but “weaving in the ends” and a “soaking and blocking” (excuse the knitting terms — some of you will know what I’m talking about) — He’s been seen and hugged by the birthday kid, and Sartorial Raccoon photos will be taken before he leaves my house, to be shared here soon.
For now, though, I’ve got another of those full-ish but fun (and a bit fatiguing) days ahead — a gym session with my trainer, and an errand run to a bookstore (birthday gift) and a yarn store (projects ahead), and later this afternoon, a Covid booster, perfectly timed to have me ready for a trip I’m counting down toward. I’ll have to tell you more about that later.
This post, however, will close with more Spring Pink from our terrace garden . . .
Because one can never have too much spring pink, am I right?
Especially when some of that pink will turn into berries for the birds (the red currant – Ribes sanguineum above) . . . .
and some into apple pies in the fall . . .
Might be a toss-up as to which is more delicious — the apple pies or the tender sweetness of these still-furled buds . . . What say you?
And more generally, what say you about anything in the post that strikes your fancy. . . or tickles it, if that’s more your idiom? Comments open below, and yours are very welcome. (Although I have to point out that dire warnings about the foolishness of a pale pink coat are too late and will have no effect on my pocketbook or my wardrobe — I’ve already worn this baby daily for a week and we’re madly in love! Influence of the Equinox?!)
Okay, I’m off now,
xo,
f
Great colour !!🥰
Author
Thanks!
Love the coat on you. You have given me a boost of courage to stray from my usual tan or navy. The plant pruning story reminds me that the relationship is more important than the plant and I will try to remember that the next time husband hacks my plumbago.
Author
Navy and tan are so practical and can look so chic — OR be brightened with the right scarf. But every once in a while . . .
And yes, I need to remind myself “on the regular”: The relationship is more important than the plant (but a whole year’s blooms! Aargh!) 😉
Love, love, love the new coat. Pink goes with any neutral colour, in my opinion. And those pockets – swoon!
Author
Thank you! And I’m finding the soft pink very versatile (I like it with my green boots, for example).
Seriously, I could carry my MacBook in one of these pockets (I’d be walking lopsided, but I could do it 🤣
Love the coat very much and especially pleased about how well it works with a red umbrella. Something about the subtlety of the pink and the boldness of the red is very pleasing. I’m also a big fan of pink and green together, in nature and in clothing. It’s a very spring-like combination and apparently one that became very popular during the 1960s, or so I read somewhere recently, much to my surprise. I was in my mid-teens by the end of that decade and was a big fan of fashion magazines. Perhaps my affection for those colours, which strike me as hopeful and refreshing, comes from that time.
What excellent memories you are making with your grandchildren. And your walk with family to remember your mum is deeply touching. We are travelling about 2 hours south to our Southern Highlands for the Easter break, not having been there since just before Covid. I’m looking forward to a change of scene, cooler weather and family time.
My one and only experience as a bridesmaid way back then featured pink and green.
Author
Mine too! 😉
Author
Yes! I wondered if I’d need to pick up a more neutral umbrella, but I love them together — as you say, the combination of the subtle and the bold pleases! And pink and green — Nature shows us the way!
Enjoy your Easter getaway! I just had a quick peek at a Southern Highlands tourism website — looks lovely.
One more reason to be grateful for a rainy climate – I love a nice Mack . I have one in a similar shape but in a dusty jade green colour . Flared with wide sleeves & I like the way it swings around as I dodge the puddles . Pink is lovely too . Yes , navy or black would be the sensible choice but pink is fun & we need more fun . Especially on gloomy days . Your garden is well ahead of ours but the primroses & daffodils are cheering us up .
Author
Yes, it’s true! I’m not going to run out of opportunities to wear a raincoat here in Rain City on the Wet Coast (nicknames we’ve heard often from the Rest of Canada)
My coat also has wide sleeves, long enough that I can fold back cuffs — and the puddle-dodging swing is everything! More fun — we have enough sensible, you’re too right!
Just bought pink thread so I can make new pink linen trousers this weekend. Time to brighten up.
Author
Oh, perfection! Pink linen trousers . . .
I always look forward to and enjoy your stories about grandkids, clothing (pink!), flowers, and really everything. Thank you for sharing them.
Author
Aw, you’re very welcome, and thank YOU for letting me know you enjoy the posts!
Your photos are the essence of spring. Thank you.
And your new coat: several years ago I haunted the Lands’ End site until a pink raincoat in my size went on sale. It finally did (patience rewarded) and I have never regretted buying it. I love it as much now as I did then.
Author
Oooh, even better when you get exactly the pink raincoat you want ON Sale! Especially if you’re still wearing it and loving it years later.
The spring pink blossoms are so joyful, what a delight your terrace must be. And your new spring pink coat! Very feminine and based on your photos, a great choice.
Author
Thanks, Beverly!
Of course, there are still all kinds of pots with bare soil, nothing coming up in them yet. And a bunch more with the debris from plants that didn’t make it through a tough winter and will need to be replaced. But we look right past those to the pretty new blooms and the bright new leaves. . .
I love the pink coat, especially with the red umbrella!
Beautiful photos and everything in the post tickles my fancy. Xx
Author
Thanks for letting me know!
I loved this photo-filled post! I am always in favor of more color and that pink seems to be bright enough to raise one’s spirits and yet muted enough to go with any outfit. Thanks for sharing the details of the generous pockets. Little details like a bit of a brightly patterned fabric inside are a lovely little thrill and inspiration for me.
Author
I’ll have to remember to share a flash of the patterned lining — It’s a smile-maker!
Fun adventures with the grands!!!
I like the pink coat…I have a similar one by Eileen Fisher in blue (not navy!)
Enjoy the sunshine today.
Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
Author
Thanks! I know you are judicious with colour in your wardrobe, and I’m sure that blue is perfect!
What a wonderful coat, loving the color. Spring seems to have stalled around here, things looked as if they were about to bloom but still only in bud. I am impatient. Looking forward to seeing family for Easter, then a trip to The museum of Modern Art on this coming Monday.
Author
We’re finding a bit the same here — seem to be hovering in mid-teens (Celsius) but then backslide rather than getting any consistent sunshine and heat . . . that said, after the last few summers, I’m nervous about wanting too much heat, too soon. (we have negligible snowpack this year and there are already concerns about water supply and forest fires).
Enjoy your family time — and wonderful! a trip to the MOMA!
I have a number of comments! First, I returned last evening from a week’s visit to Corvallis, to visit my daughter’s family–my two oldest granddaughters are still very young, one almost 5 and the other is 2 1/2. I adore them at this stage now, and also greatly look forward to future years when they are older and we can do outings like you did with your grands this week–especially drawing in museums. I love doing that on my own. . . But we did go out and about every day, walking in the neighborhood and driving places, and the plethora of pink spring blooms–cherry trees and tulips especially–were a source of excitement and joy for us all.
I adore your pink coat and though it may need more frequent laundering, I think that the joy that the color is giving you far outweighs any bother of extra maintenance. It is a beautiful coat, and I do love a garment with such fantastic pockets. Well chosen, Frances!
Coincidentally, on Saturday, I went on a shopping expedition with my daughter’s family to find pink clothing! (We had an occasion to attend that evening where the attendees were encouraged to wear pink.) We all got at least one fun thing, even my son-in-law found a pink shirt. Pink is a real mood booster, I think!
Author
Sounds as if you had a perfect visit with your daughter’s family. I did begin gallery/museum visits with some of our grands at 5-ish — because I had a membership and we lived close enough, I could take them in for as long as their attention held without fretting about making the entry fee and the travel worthwhile. And I always packed a little sketchbook and pencil in case they responded positively to my suggestion to sit on the floor and draw their impressions. . . Depends so much on personality and energy levels, though. . . .
I bet tyhat pink evening would have been fun — and you’ll perhaps have got some great coordinated photos!
Quite right too about the pink coat. It really suits you, and the red umbrella is a perfect match. No blossom here yet in my cold corner, apart from forsythia in some gardens (not mine yet, but that will come in a future year). So I’m matching the snow on the hills in my white Didrikson’s parka I bought in Sweden in September, surprising myself just as much as you did with your pink. It was such an opposite to my normal navy that it delights me every time I put it on. (You’ll see it on my IG, a few posts back). I have very few pink items – two scarves in dark pink/with pink splashes. I was never a “pink” girl, didn’t dress myself or my daughter in pink, and was warned off the colour by a formidable female head of department when I was in my early 50s and she was approaching retirement. Don’t go into ‘menopause pink’ was the phrase she used. She meant head to toe pink, ATM (All Tae Match, as we say in Scotland). I see what she means, but your coat is very far from menopause pink!
I hope you’re continuing to recover from surgery. I might manage out for a gentle stroll today, having been given permission by my optician yesterday. Very frustrating, but needs must.
Author
I didn’t know about Didrikson’s parkas, but just browsed their site — practical, well-made, and so attractive. I can imagine the joy of wearing that bright white (My pink coat is also Scandinavian, but from Denmark)
Ah yes, those rules we women had to observe if we wanted to be taken seriously in a workplace. . . so annoying to have to work through that again in terms of rules for what to wear as we age!
Yes, the recovery goes well, thanks! I hope you soon begin to reap all the benefits from your new lenses!
Love your coat,such a wonderful colour,very soft pink,adorable!
My spring coats are sand and navy,not only very predictable(although I love both
) but twice this week a lady at physio took my navy one home instead of hers! I’m going to buy a red one next time!
Your garden looks lovely…and what a plethora of exciting outings!
Dottoressa
Author
Thanks, but Wait, What? She took your coat home twice?! Reminds me of Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest . . . to do that once “may be regarded as misfortune” but twice “looks like carelessness.”
I’m sure after making the mistake once, I’d be checking labels and pockets etc. assiduously!
Sometimes I’ve been nudged into trying something in a different color because my first choice neutral was out of stock. But what a happy surprise when it turns out to be the more interesting choice. Your pink coat suits you and is a refreshing choice for spring. Wear it in good health!
Author
Thank you! If I could make the change to navy in my size now, I wouldn’t. . .
Pink! Pockets! Urbanity? (You did say it’s from Denmark). I love it, and love it on you. I bought a North Face rain jacket last fall in the most luscious boysenberry, and it gives me great joy when I wear it, which as been pretty often this winter (it’s pouring as I type). There is something quite wonderful about a practical garment in an unexpected color.
Author
You guessed it! That’s where I got it, and thank you!
And yes, if we have to wear raingear against the weather, colour that makes us smile is a way to bring the joy! And I think others benefit from the splashes of colour against the grey as well, no?
I’m late! Due to a little road trip, but better late than never.
I love that pink coat on you…and the pink and red together are just right. (I know, you don’t wnat to wish for rain every day, but maybe once in a while for an excuse to unfurl your umbrella 🙂 ).
I ordered a cropped trench in Boreal Green. I have a peachy-pink shirt from last year, seldom worn as it was an unusual foray into colour for me. But with that dark green, hmm. (And after all those weeks in chilly damp Florence I never want to see a sweater again. At least until fall.) I also have two shirts coming, white and blue…and hopefully they will take the place of the ‘several’ white and blue shirts, too ill-fitting, too worn, too something, that have been hanging in the back of my closet since retirement and the end of the blazer that covers all sins. Ha! Where have 8+ years gone?
The blossoms are beautiful. Two springs for me this year. Yes!
Author
Thank you! And no, I don’t want to wish for rain every day, but the weather gods have been giving me many umbrella-unfurling opportunities lately (pouring outside as we speak, although we have sunshine in the upcoming forecast — someone seems to keep moving the goalposts, dragging leaky grey clouds along with them)
Pink and green, white and blue — perennial freshness! Enjoy your second spring! (we always get spoiled with a prolonged spring here on the coast, often soggy, yes, but I love it!
Ohhhhh. I love pink in blossom and bud form. You’re ahead of us. The bleeding hearts are barely above ground, so I enjoyed your blooms very much. One of my favorite flowers since I was a kid.
What a pretty coat. I’m glad that you indulged in it, practicalities be dammed. I don’t know how many times I’ve made choices based on light colors being too difficult to keep clean. Life is short. Enjoy your pale pink coat, which will make you so happy in springtime.
It sounds like you have had a very full couple of weeks. Aside from the dentist, everything sounds wonderful. Family, music, art, projects, shopping… All wonderful activities.
Enjoy all of the beautiful pink.