The sun was shining brightly, the temperature was a comfortable 21 degrees, and the wind had calmed to a pleasant breeze. Off we went to our beloved spot at the Arrow Lake and launched our canoe driven by a quiet electric motor in search for some great nature photography. We were lucky. As we travelled along the shoreline, we spotted a merganser pair that allowed us to come close enough to get in a few shots. Enjoy.
The thimbleberry plants with their beautiful white flowers are blooming in great abundance right now at the Arrow Lake. Their fruit is almost inedible, as it has too many seeds and too little flavour. On one of their leaves I captured a fascinating bug taking a nap in the hot afternoon sun. Ferns are everywhere in the woods and their leaves forever impress me with their forms and shapes. In my search for new aspects of nature I also came across a wild raspberry patch, which attracted dozens of bumblebees. Ignoring the more attractive flowers of the ubiquitous thimbleberry, they zeroed in on the humble raspberry flower. They were too quick for me to catch them with my camera. Enjoy.
April showers bring May flowers. We all know the saying. I collected a few photos, which lend support for its general truth. But here at the Arrow Lake I must add the humming birds, which visit our area with the regularity of a clock at the time the trees are beginning to bud. A dramatic cloud formation is nicely rounding off this week’s photo presentation. Enjoy.
Almost a month late the apple trees in the Arrow Lakes region are finally showing off their blossoms. They are especially plentiful and promise in contrast to last year an abundant crop. I love their delicate petals, which remind me of the fact that the apple trees are actually related to the rose family. I selected three photos for this post. Enjoy.
Last week I reported how far behind Nature is at higher elevations. Pussy willows are the very first sign of springs in our valley. They can be spotted as early as February. But at 1200m altitude they are showing their delicate beauty only now in the second week of May. On my way to Vernon I stopped by to have another look at Lost Lake where I had taken a photo of the Canada geese the week before. Enjoy.
So many followers of my blog had asked me for a translation of my mother’s wedding poem that I decided to get to work. The poem is quite poetic and uses my wife’s nickname Biene (Bee) as a metaphor for her flight from Germany to Canada in 1966. There was no way to preserve the rhyme and rhythm of this wonderful poem. The translation therefore can only give a crude impression, but at least you will know what this poem is all about.
It whispers here, it mutters there.
It happened to my youngest son.
He wanted to study in Canada
to get himself a really good job.
The exams taken in quick succession
did not bother and confuse him at all.
Also what comes now is not a lie.
Something buzzing came flying to him.
A little bee (Biene) tender and excited,
of a very special kind was she,
flew from the Rhine on and on,
totally joyful and spontaneous,
sometimes high and sometimes low,
almost singed her wings, oh no.
From Montreal to Calgary,
tireless like never before,
the little creature totally exhausted
landed at Peter’s basement door.
Peter showing respect for any kind of life
did not leave the insect unattended.
He took care of the Little Bee,
stroking her wings so tenderly.
Indeed with so much tender-loving care
she turned into a princess without delay.
A young maiden well known to me,
he took her quickly to the marriage office.
On the 21st of May you will be a couple.
That is clear to the people in ‘Born, Germany.
Not too long ago Peter as scout lived in tent.
And now Biene flew to him in a great hurry.
Here are the greetings to all the siblings
from all the uncles and all the aunts.
That all may go well wishes your mother
from the bottom of her heart.
Photo by Karol Wiśniewski on Pexels.com
The Peter and Gertrud Klopp Family 