Tag: Garden and Nature
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Morning in the Poppy Garden
I stepped into my front yard as the morning sun painted everything gold. My poppy garden was alive with colour: brilliant reds and soft pinks swaying gently in the warm breeze. But what drew me in wasn’t just the sight of the blooms; it was the gentle, constant humming that filled the air. Bees. Everywhere.…
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The Gift of Nanking Cherries: A Garden Update
The morning dew still clings to the petals as I step into the garden, but it’s no longer the delicate white and pink blossoms that greet me. Those enchanting spring flowers have given way to something even more magical: clusters of ruby-red jewels nestled among the green leaves like nature’s own Christmas ornaments in June.…
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Thinking of Manitoba
As wildfires rage near Carrot Valley and across northern Manitoba, my thoughts are with everyone impacted, from families forced to evacuate, to the incredible first responders risking everything to keep communities safe. Last year, on my drive from Desert Hills Ranch near Ashcroft, BC, I again witnessed firsthand the destructive force of fire. That moment…
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Remembering Through Poppies: A Message on Day 1,169
Today marks 1,169 days since the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine began. As the poppies in my garden prepare to bloom, they remind me of the timeless connection between these delicate flowers and our duty to remember those who have suffered in war. The Poppies in My Garden The poppies in my garden stand as…
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Jasper Wildfire Crisis: Community Resilience Amidst Devastating Loss”
The recent wildfire that has engulfed parts of Jasper, Alberta, has caused significant damage to the town and surrounding areas. As reported by CBC News on July 24, 2024, the fire reached the townsite, burning multiple buildings including the Maligne Lodge hotel. The community is facing what Mayor Richard Ireland described as their “worst nightmare.”…
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“A Sweet-Tart Adventure: Part 2 – The Cherry Picnic”
During the next Mitac-inspired road trip, our team of four became five, and the Toyota RAV was packed to the brim, ready for a new adventure. The weather was scorching hot as we set out from Kamloops, eager to share with newcomers from Ukraine the beauty of BC Interior. After visiting a few WOW spots…
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Car-accessible hiking in British Columbia
After a rewarding morning of cherry-picking in Vernon, our team of four decided to embark on an impromptu adventure. I have heard whispers of a breathtaking viewpoint accessible by car, tucked away in the mountains of British Columbia. With our trusty RAV4 packed and spirits high, we set off on what would become an unforgettable…
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“A Sweet-Tart Adventure”
The alarm rang at 6:30 a.m., rousing several people across Kamloops. Excitement bubbled in our chests as we remembered the day’s mission: a trip to Peter’s U-pick orchard in Vernon for some tart cherry picking. After a quick wake-up routine, we hit the road from Kamloops. The drive to Vernon was filled with anticipation. Our…
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Chasing Chestnuts: From Ashcroft to Kyiv, a Journey of Botanical Fascination
On a recent trip to Ashcroft, I was thrilled to spot a beautiful red chestnut tree in full bloom while exploring the area on the way to Desert Hills. The sight of those vibrant red blossoms immediately made me think of the majestic chestnut trees that line the streets and parks of Kyiv. In Lviv,…
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A Colorful Carrot Teaching: Lessons on Diversity from the Farmer’s Market
Last weekend, I went to the Courtenay farmer’s market with Mama. We love visiting local markets because we get to see all the different fruits, vegetables, and other goods that the local farmers bring to share. As we walked around, a big pile of colorful carrots caught my eye. There were the usual orange carrots…
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Twelve-Step Guide to Resources in Kamloops and Southern BC to Support Flood Evacuees (State of Emergency)
Compiled by Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov, PhD Updated November 18, 2021 PDF Link Contents Step 1: Review Useful Resource Guides. Step 2: Check States of Emergency, Evacuation Orders and Alerts. Step 3: Find Access to Emergency Support Services (ESS) Step 4: Review Emergency Support Services (ESS) Step by Step Guide. Step 5: Find Sandbag Locations. Step…