“Where are you?” ask both my readers.

Where am I?  Well today I was looking at the tiny roses blooming down by the beach on this grey, blustery winter day – in awe, once more of this coastal winter, so different from winters I was used to in the east. I mean, ROSES? In January? I stood on the beach looking across the Strait at nothing but grey as low clouds covered all views of Lasqueti and Texada islands and the coastal mountains of the mainland. As I did, suddenly  the sun behind  me pushed its way through the clouds and I stood in a lone patch of sunlight, confirming my belief that Qualicum Beach has its own private climate and perhaps so do I.  Back in the day, when I lived in Ottawa, my greatest ambition was to spend the entire month of January in the house, never setting foot outside. How things change. Continue reading →