Back from our getaway “up the mountain” (will share a few photos here later in the week), relieved to find that all seems well here at the blog (despite worries I shared in my last post).
And contemplating yet again the way that recreational/leisure activities can be as fatiguing as work, and that we need to — as we age, at least — account for that with recuperative time. Our getaway, for example, meant the (low-scale, admittedly) stress of packing — and somehow, I always bring more for three or four days away with a car trunk available than I do for 6-10 weeks in Europe (which I’ve done numerous times carry-on only). Then all the stimulation of a new environment, the extra steps taken in exploring said environment, eating meals out — different foods, choosing restaurants, making reservations — not to mention the reduced time for solitude. Yep, well aware that this stress is a small cost for the inherent privilege exercised here. Still tired. . .
Then yesterday, my Italian class (so much fun; we’re reading Antonio Manzini’s Pista Nera, featuring the ill-mannered detective Rocco Schiavone) to which I walked, as usual. Gorgeous weather! Late winter, early spring, so while puddles got a skin of ice overnight, most of them melted and then began to dry in the day’s sunshine, temperatures rising to 10 Celsius. There and back made for a happy 12,800 steps.
But if I’d thought more carefully about our evening, I might have taken the SkyTrain home. . . because we had tickets to a ballet performance downtown. And given that we live only 2.5 kilometres from the theatre, and given that parking is expensive and a nuisance and that there are always traffic-causing events near the theatre on a Saturday night, we walked. Lovely walk, both ways, lots to chat about and the lights of the city along False Creek reflected beautifully in the clear dark water on our way home (Rogers Stadium movingly illuminated in blue and yellow; Science World’s ever-twinkling geodesic dome alternating between those two colours, just across the water). The end of a very good day spent in chosen, enjoyable activities. 22,000 steps, 12.8 kilometres . . . Still tired. . .
So today’s post is short. The Outfit of the Day that delighted me yesterday (photo, top of page), that grey wool pleated skirt renewed by a light woolen T-shirt/sweater I bought in the January sales, and the new felt brooch I bought last week tying the two colours together most convincingly. Note the sturdy-for-walking slip-on Oxfords.
And the post also features a new-to-me tree, spotted on my walk home from Italian yesterday. I think this must be the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus Mas), but if you know better, please advise. Everything I read about it makes me yearn for a proper garden again. I’d definitely find a spot for a tree that brightens the late winter landscape with bright yellow flowers — especially since those flowers feed the early-to-emerge pollinators, and then become bright red fruit which bring the birds. It tolerates urban pollution and has attractively peeling bark. Win! Win! Win!
Having worked “Shank’s Mare” a bit too hard in the cause of recreation and entertainment yesterday, I’m now going to make myself a slightly indulgent breakfast and enjoy it by myself with a book and a big cup of tea. My husband, who takes much longer to tire, is off to paddle in the sea, taking advantage of another sunny day. I love him dearly, but oh readers, I do love having the place to myself. (oh dear, I just counted: wrote “myself” three times in the last three sentences! That’s telling! And honestly, he’s such a non-intrusive fellow.)
But you won’t disturb me at all should you wish to leave a comment below. About the combination of yellow and grey; about finding new combinations for old favourite skirts; about horticultural yellows; about balancing recreation and rest, entertainment and rejuvenation, play and work, possibly even body and spirit. Or whatever the post evokes for you. Or just wave me a hello.
xo,
f
I have both yellow daffodils and my forsythia bush budding in Virginia. I was in Georgia last week. Many of the spring flowers and trees there were in full bloom which was beautiful.
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Sounds wonderful! My yellows are just behind yours. . .
Love those bright yellow flowers and imagining spring coming to the coast, especially since we got at least a foot of snow the night before last! I can’t really complain though as it made for a wonderful outing on snowshoes yesterday; the best conditions we’ve seen for that in the past couple of years. I felt the tiredness you speak of afterward, but hope to go out again today before warmer weather turns the gorgeous powder to ice or slush.
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Yikes! Another foot! But even at Whistler (at the village level, at least; different up top, I’m sure), I didn’t bother getting my snowshoes out of the trunk because the combo of rain then frost made yak-traks the better option. And it’s been mostly like that for the North Shore Mountains as well, for weeks. . . Good for you for taking advantage of that fresh snow–worth the fatigue afterword, such a good fatigue.
I love that brooch! It’s lively and droll and brings that lovely muted yellow to life.
Also- you gave great skin.
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It is a bit droll, isn’t it!
And thank you! So kind!
Amen on the packing! Headed to FL with far more in the trunk than I would ever take on a plane trip. Look for to hearing about your few days away.
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Each time I ask myself “Really”? And then throw the extra items in anyway. . . Enjoy your road trip!
I’m older than you & know exactly what you mean about the tiredness that comes from the ‘good things’ . It’s just as real as the other kind . Holidays when we were younger were full on . Long days were spent endlessly exploring , bombarding the senses with new experiences , trying not to miss anything . I wish I could go at the same pace now but I can’t . Travel was very important to us & we’re glad we did it when we had that abundance of energy . These days we have to pace ourselves . An energetic morning is followed by a more restful afternoon . It’s why rented cottages in the UK are best these days , with pretty surroundings & preferably good views . We are going to Somerset next Friday to look into my family roots there & I’ve already started packing to spread the work . I used to throw stuff in the case at the last minute !
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Yes, those rented cottages sound like a great option Pretty surroundings, some decent walks nearby, and a good stack of books!
Yellow flowers are in full bloom on the San Mateo Coast of California. They include a weed we call sour grass that is in the oxalis family, mustard and California poppy. The fields of them can be glorious, but the best ones were tilled by their farmers this year before we could get photos of them. Still, the yellow scattered about the hills and near the highway is cheerful to see. The yellow acacias and Scotch broom add to the effect. Thanks for your cheerful yellow post. Your outfit is lovely!
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I’ve seen photos of that landscape in bloom — magnificent! I hadn’t known about the oxalis/sourgrass. Just read that you can make a tea from it and it has all sorts of medicinal properties attributed to it (although oxalic acid is toxic in large doses). Interesting. . . It does seem that the early pollinators like their blossoms to be yellow . . .
Grey and yellow. Lovely.
And, waving hello.
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Thank you 😉
Waving back!
I used the Plant Net App to identify the yellow flowers and it came back Cassia fistula L – Golden Shower but I wonder if it is Witch Hazel which is normally blooming February and March here in the Lower Mainland? I am impressed with your huge number of steps – I am struggling to get 10k each day as am too reliant on a vehicle to get where I need to go (a hybrid thank goodness now that gas prices are $2.10 per litre!!) and use daily walks around my neighbourhood for my majority and the balance around the house and garden. You have a perfect location in Vancouver to having a walking lifestyle. The city has so much to offer and you and your husband clearing are taking advantage of it.
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Thanks for checking on Plant Net! I think I’m going to stick with my best guess, informed as it was by the advantage of seeing the blooms in person and then doing a bit of research. In our climate, the Golden Shower/laburnum will put on a magnificent show at Van Dusen Botanic for a couple of weeks in May. And witch hazel is blooming here, has been for a few weeks, but those blooms are so distinctive, and different from the ones on this little tree. Hard to tell from my photos, I know. I’m planning to get back later in the season and check for the distinctive berries to confirm.
As for my huge step count — that was an exceptional day, and I felt it! I manage 10k maybe 4 times a week, 7 or 8k otherwsie, and I regularly throw in a day under 2000 steps, just to give my muscles and joints a rest. But you’re right that we’re in a good spot for walking — one of the urban blessings I count 😉
To partly quote a line from Winnie the Pooh, “you can’t be uncheered by yellow flowers.” Where I live, in southern Arizona, almost all the native flowers are yellow. The desert marigolds (which are a wildflower, not what you are picturing probably) and the brittlebrush have just started to bloom in the past week or two. Soon we will be seeing the spectacular blooms of the palo verde trees, creating golden light both in the city where they are frequently planted, and where they grow naturally in the surrounding desert.. When you gaze at a palo verde in full, brilliant yellow bloom against the azure sky, you can’t help but feel happy, at least for the moment. Of course we also have the ubiquitous wild mustard, like CA, wherever a yard or roadside has bare ground, espeically if it has been recently disturbed–and we’ve had sufficient rain. It doesn’t take much.
Yellow and grey together is one of my favorite combinations to wear. I knit a bright yellow cardigan for myself a few years ago, which plays very nicely with grey shirts of all kinds. I used to have a lovely grey and mustard yellow skirt. I also have embellished a few pieces of clothing with embroidered yellow roses, and made some sunflower pins with knitted/felted wool.
Fatigue after travel is definitely a thing at this age. . .I also have the exact same experience–I can pack efficiently for traveling a while but not so much when the trip is by car. . .
Thank you for your wonderful posts!
Author
I’ve never spent more than a few days in a desert climate, but the pared-down background must make the yellows even more spectacular. Here, the background is generally so much darker (coniferous trees, large ones, and mountains) and there’s less sky, often grey. . . I’d love to see the palo verde trees in bloom!
I love the idea of that bright yellow cardigan (I’d have to wear a scarf with it; the colour doesn’t do me any favours on its own).
Waving hello! I love your OOTD. It looks polished but practical, an enviable combo.
There is no substitute for time alone in one’s own home. For me, the best part is the quiet. I’m envious of your walkable neighborhood. I live in a rural setting, though my husband and I are preparing to move closer to “civilization” this year. I doubt we’ll land in a city, but who knows. So many decisions to be made. What to keep, what to pass on? Do we move here or maybe there? The uncertainty and the never ending decisions, combined with the current state of the world leave me exhausted physically and emotionally. It sounds like you made a major move in the past few years. Any tips to make it easier or just less unpleasant?
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Thanks Wendy! Yes, it’s a very practical combo, so I’m pleased you think it looks polished as well.
Oh yes, thinking about that big move, I remember it well. . . I do have a few thoughts about it, in retrospect, and I’ve also posted about it through the years. I think I might just put together a post if you don’t mind waiting a bit for those “tips.” What d’you think?
Thanks! I’ll take those tips however I can get them! I know these types of moves must be common amongst our age group.
Such a timely post. I am finally back in Paris, having cancelled during Covid two years ago, and so happy to be here but as you say…tired. Walking is a great antidote for the jet lag problem but it seems much harder this year as we are 79 and 80. Love all your ootd pics…the kind of flair and practicality I appreciate. And a fellow minimalist packer. Thank you for all your posts
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Wonderful that you managed to get back! We hope we have another 10 years, possibly 15, of decent travel (currently 68 and 70), but realize that we will likely have to make a few, and then perhaps more than a few, concessions. Good to hear from the octogenarians who are still exploring. Thank you!
That flower pin adds such a touch of whimsey to a simple outfit. I do like my current home but find myself a bit envious about living in more vibrant neighborhood. Imagine being able to walk to the ballet. Last year I had seriously contemplated such a move. Actually in the building where my daughter lives. a block or two from a theater for drama, music, dance. the library, a yoga studio across the street, and of course interesting shops and every kind of restaurant. And a short walk to the train which puts you in mid town Manhattan. the realtor still sends me notices of apartments in the area, and I musty say I am tempted. On the other hand it is lovely here, and soon the yellow forsythia which surrounds the property will be in bloom. and I can walk to that same train. fortunately, I can still drive and and have access to so much in the area, but who knows?
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I would be lying if I didn’t say that I sometimes miss my old lifestyle (greeting neighbours as I walked the 4-kilometre dirt road that encircled our little island; swimming 20 metres from my front door in the summer; listening to birds and to trees soughing in the wind and waves raking the beach pebbles instead of to trucks and alarms and garbage bins being emptied). . . It was a very tough decision, but the right one for us, I think, most days. You will find yours, I’m sure. Perhaps that forsythia has made it for you. Perhaps the appeal of the yoga studio across the street. . .
Lovely brooch,subtle combination of colours,brava! I love the light woolen sweater very much
Yellow flowers,my favourites….
I hear you,play could be even more fatiguing than work! Maybe it is (in my case) because I’ve lost practice during the last two years….I’m just back from Istria,it was beautiful,lot of places,little towns,restaurants,gorgeous weather,sunny but quite cold,nice people….I’m not so tired (and I feel blessed all the time indeed), but I feel lost after a couple of days (although, during the week before ,I’ve cancelled almost all of my bussiness meetings,not to catch something before the trip),so many things to do,so many people to deal with…..
Dottoressa
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I’m pleased to hear you managed a visit to Istria (even if it’s left you tired — now you need to sit still and build up the number of spoons again!). We have such good memories of our visit there and would love to go back.
Yep, I get the overpacking vibe that happens on a car trip! We just drove up to Sydney for two nights and my suitcase was bursting at the seams! Of course I got home and put away so many outfits that went unworn!
I love your OOTD, especially the beautiful brooch!
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I did the same — didn’t wear half of what I brought!
And thank you! Isn’t that brooch great?
Your brooch is perfection. Glad you’re having a quiet moment today. It sounds blissful.
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Thank you! ’twas. I need more of them 😉
Well, I managed not to overpack, but 4 days away at a farmhouse in Marvão has left me a weird combination of refreshed and exhausted! We had a fun St. David’s Day (patron saint of Wales) celebration, with the Welsh flag and daffodils decorating our temporary abode, and hiked and drove to Spain (20 minutes, so really, not a big deal, but Spain!) for lunch, so I guess it’s no wonder I’m tired.
I do love the whimsy of your new brooch. I was sorting through jewelry last week, and set out a few pieces I hadn’t worn in a while, in hopes of working them back into my wardrobe. The pandemic really did a number on my accessory game, I think.
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It’s so strange, that combo, isn’t it?
You’ve reminded me about years of March 1st Pilates classes in a studio full of daffodils (my instructor when I lived on the island was Welsh; it was a big deal). . . . And no wonder you’re tired — you’ve visited Wales and Spain, all in four days, whirlwind.
The pandemic did the same to me. My “wrist party” bracelet/bangle arrangements fell out of favour these last two years. . . .even the simple gold chain I used to wear daily now languishes on a hook. . .
And I too love your charming brooch! Those mustardy tones wash me out when close to my grey hair— so I’d need a scarf—but the marled colour is so interesting.
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Thanks! I’m not sure the mustard is my best friend, but much better than a full yellow and I love it, especially in the marl.
Wonderful flowers! I share your frustration with the tiredness that seems to come with doing enjoyable things in one’s late sixties.
Just waving a hello – loving the pics of yellow flowers and blue sky.
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I felt that wave from Edinburgh! Thank you!
Gosh, what a rich post–and comments. Yes, yes, yes. Yes, to the joy of having the house to oneself while husband is out and the sheer fatigue of travel post-lockdowns here in the UK. We went to York for a few days and were exhausted by the crowds of people, the walking on cobbled streets, the choice of restaurants, the shops–just everything. Moments of calm and glory listening to the fabulous choir sing at Evensong in the Minster saved me. Yes, to packing lightly again–bought myself a new cabin-size suitcase to help with this. And yes to making a major transatlantic move at age 70 and getting rid of beloved furniture that had been with us for 50 years and so many beloved books. The jury is still out.
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Oh, thank you for sharing those moments of calm and glory, the choir, Evensong, the Minster. . . the ripples continue. . .
Is it you who’s making (made?) this huge move, Elaine? I’d love to hear more about this. Wow!