With welcoming the New Year I am taking a glance back to 2023.  It began with my husband and I spending Christmas in North Vancouver.  Just before Christmas arrived there was a severe snowstorm which created havoc everywhere.  This is in complete contrast to the mild weather we have experienced here in Fintry all through the 2023 festive season.

Images from last Christmas, Unexpected heavy snowfall in North Vancouver

I always look forward to the arrival of Spring. I have been managing my Fintry garden for a number of years so that many of my spring bulbs have multiplied while others have dwindled out. There is always an abundance of tulips but first the miniature bulbs put on a display in my rockery garden and garden beds. I also enjoy making up Spring themed containers which adds an extra burst of color.

We usually have a slow start to Spring here in the Okanagan BC but by May, my garden is in full bloom. While tending my Fintry garden I also looked after the newly developed garden on the property we had in the Shuswaps (which has since been sold). I will certainly miss our escapes to this peaceful location but looking forward to new adventures in 2024.

Late Spring 2023 – Fintry Garden

June and July became a blur as we were busy going back and forth to the Shuswap property until the sale closed. We were no sooner back when we headed overseas on a long awaited trip. First to celebrate our niece’s wedding in Brighton and then onto an Iceland cruise including a stop off in Ireland. We also visited Yorkshire and Scotland. The day we actually left for our trip we were once again evacuated from our Fintry home due to the horrific MacDougall Creek fires which caused no end of damage along Westside Road as well as in various areas of Kelowna BC. I still can’t believe that the fire actually jumped the lake. We were in a quandary at first as to whether we should leave. Once though you are evacuated there is nothing you can do so we decided to proceed. Needless to say I was constantly looking at the news daily and we were relieved to see the evacuation order lifted. Our trip was amazing meeting up with family and friends and experiencing the landscapes of Iceland to quaint villages in the UK and the charm of Belfast and a fishing village in Scotland.

Highlights of our UK, Iceland Cruise Trip – Sept 2023

Towards the latter part of 2023 my husband and I spent a lot of time in the garden and taking long walks in Fintry Provincial Park. We have embellished the mild weather as I am not a fan of snow. We spent a lovely Christmas with my immediate family in Fintry. I have to say my grandkids were a little disappointed that there was no snow.

As I write my post in early January 2024 the weather continues to be mild. However, it looks as though on the forecast snow is on the horizon. This leads me to say that I wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy New Year. With all the turmoil in the world I do hope that the year will bring peace and hope. Looking forward to another gardening year. Each time I say that I am going to simplify it never truly happens.

Mild Temperatures, Fintry Provincial Park, My Fintry Garden