Tag: summer

A Look Back on the “Dog Days of Summer”

Published on by J. Kelland Perry31 Comments

Dog Days of Summer, according to Websters Dictionary: “the hot and humid period of summer between early July and early September.”

Dog Days of Summer, according to me: having my canine friends come to visit!

First up, SOPHIE RAE!

Sophie Rae

In July, Sophie came to Newtown for the first time with my son and his fiancée. She is a white golden retriever, is the youngest of our doggies, and just so happens to be turning two today. Happy Birthday, pretty girl!

She had lots of fun exploring Perry’s Point, and even went to Bennett Island with us via the sandbar.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Cuddles in the Car

Our next visitors were my daughter and her family in August, and of course they brought ARCHIE!

Archie

Archie is six years old, and has visited us before. He beat himself out every day running around the Point, and also went on the sandbar to Bennett Island with us.

He was particularly obsessed with this “ball” while he was here:

“I need that ball!”

Archie always loves to come see us.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

My sister and her husband were our third visitors. They spent Labour Day weekend with us, with Abbey and Jaxon in tow!

Abbey and Jaxon

Jaxon is twelve:

Jaxon

…and dear little Abbey is sixteen!

Abbey

These dogs are more laid back, as you may guess.

But they did go on an adventure to Windmill Bight Park in Lumsden with us, to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Even though everyone knows I’m a cat person first and foremost, I do love and enjoy being around any animal. Thanks so much for making the trip, my loved ones and your pooches! 💕🐾❤️

Exploring My Island: The Mighty Gander River

Published on by J. Kelland Perry21 Comments

(My apologies if you received a blank post in your inbox previous to this one — I had a glitch. Hope I have it fixed!)

On icy cold days like today, I love to reflect on photos from my summer travels. This selection takes me back to an overnight stay on Gander River last June.

Whenever my husband Paul has to travel for work in our beautiful province, I often accompany him. Particularly enjoyable are the trips that take us somewhere we haven’t visited before. And when we can combine business and pleasure, the trips are all the more fun.

This time Paul’s work took him to a business associate’s cabin on the Gander River, to design an extension and renovation for the client. The long boat in the photo above took us there, the only way to access the site.

In spite of the high winds, and getting splashed by spray over the side of the boat, the temps were warm and the views were lovely.

Here below is a shot of the little guest cabin we stayed in on the property. So cozy!

The Gander River is well-known for its salmon pools and outfitting business. To learn more, check out this site.

Below: blue flag iris growing along the shoreline.

Time to eat, sit back and relax.

Our gracious hosts provided a delicious grilled steak supper and refreshments at the main cabin.

Did you know I have a Newfoundland and Labrador category of posts on this blog? I will add this post to it shortly. Depending on what device you’re on, you can access the list from the menu or from under the header. Or click on here: Newfoundland and Labrador

Flower of the Day – July 25: Tiger Lily*

Published on by J. Kelland Perry18 Comments

During our time away this month, we took our annual trip to the small community of Lead Cove, Trinity Bay. My daughter and family have a second home there, and it’s always nice to visit, especially in the summer.

Their property has lots of beautiful trees, but for this post I’m sharing the tiger lilies.

“Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom.
They just open up, turn towards the light and that makes them beautiful.“
~ Jim Carrey

I first heard of this quote from writer friend Pamela Wight‘s Instagram page. Thanks for sharing it, Pam. 🙂

*Cee’s Flower of the Day Photo Challenge

RDP: Fringe

Published on by J. Kelland Perry23 Comments

The wild grasses on Perry’s Point are freakishly tall this summer. Most of it is topped with a feathery fringe that dances in the sun and sways in the breeze. I can stare at it for hours!

Fitting too, seeing as I live on the fringe of an island on the fringe of North America. 😉

Ragtag Daily Prompt for Monday: Fringe

Evergreen Post: Summer Lovin’

Published on by J. Kelland Perry35 Comments

I’ve been taking a blogging break while away from home these past couple of weeks, so today I’ll share a photography post from a beautiful July day six years ago.
Remember 2014, when life was simpler?  ~*sigh*~

I plan to return to regular blogging with a new Sunday Snap, on—you guessed it—Sunday!

***

Summer in my province of Newfoundland and Labrador, compared to most of North America, is short but ever so sweet. What makes it so cherished, to my mind?

The following photos were all taken in Lead Cove, the little community where I raised my children.

I love my home for its natural beauty,
its refreshing, rugged and
unspoiled charm,
for its clear and wide blue skies
without a whisper of smog.

245

I love the clean, sparkling water
and the glistening rocks adorning the coastline
that beg to be traced
and trod upon by eager footsteps.

241

I love summer in Newfoundland
for its breathtaking views
of seascapes and landscapes
when I embark on a hike.

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Whether I traverse
its beaches of sand or
climb its rocky windswept hills,
I know my camera will find its aim.

I embrace it because
the bushes and shrubs,
green and lush,
are heavy with fragrance
and of wild roses in bloom…

183

…while in the gardens,
the planted perennials are brilliant with colour,
delighted at last
to spread their bright petals to the sun.

181

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I love the hardy trees of Newfoundland
in summer…

178

…as they stretch
their ripe foliage to the sky.

184Shot through with rays of sunlight,
a shimmering haze settles over the treetops
like a warm summer veil.

323

After a long winter and dismal spring
of cold, naked branches,
they, as I do,
breathe a sigh of gratitude
at the return of this warm and golden season.

234

Are you filled with summer lovin’ where you live, or is the pandemic interfering?

Originally published here on July 29/14

Summer Evening

Published on by J. Kelland Perry21 Comments

Close of hot June day—
soft sea breeze, high crescent moon,
cool waves kiss the shore.

We’ve enjoyed a bit of a heat wave this past week, an unusually early occurrence here in the easternmost province of Canada.

I call it a bonus because our summers are notoriously short, and after a long winter and spring, warm sun-filled days are more than welcome. I’m also grateful for the coastal breezes that keep things temperate.

This is my contribution to A Photo a Week Challenge: Dusk – nancy merrill photography

Sunday Snaps: Found Art in Driftwood

Published on by J. Kelland Perry35 Comments

“Driftwood seal on rock” – August 25, 2019

“A photographer must possess and retain the receptive faculties of a child who watches the world for the first time.” ~ Bill Brandt, British photographer

“Driftwood seal on rock” – February 29, 2020

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” ~ Elliott Erwitt, American photographer

I don’t know about you,
but I much prefer the summer version at the moment!

Weekend Visit

Published on by J. Kelland Perry29 Comments

For the Labour Day weekend, my daughter and her family came for a visit. The weather was gorgeous, so we spent most of our time outside walking sandbars, trails and beaches in the area.

I wish I could take credit for the photography, but these were among the pics my daughter took.

Then and now: J on our backyard beach showing a tiny crab. Age 3 vs. age 11.

Walking the sandbar between Newtown and  Bennett Island

Hermit crab on Bennett Island

A walk on Cape Island Beach in Cape Freels along the Random Passage Trail

Beautiful Cape Island Beach

Sunset on Perry’s Point

Of course, Maisie and Vivian swooped in on their favourite spot. Who cares if someone else owns it?

We had a fantastic weekend together,
but I’m greedily hoping for nice weather all month.
I’m not ready for summer to end! Are you?

Fridays and Final Drafts

Published on by J. Kelland Perry38 Comments

Crunch time is here for my latest novel.

I’m nearing the end of the final draft, which means my beta readers will soon whisk away my manuscript for their constructive perusal. The timing couldn’t be better.

With the weather finally improving, I look forward to a couple of months to recharge and get ready for the next steps.

Friday turned out to be a super nice day. So mid-afternoon, I tore myself away from the laptop to step outside into sunshine, breathe the soft ocean breeze, and enjoy the view.

I think Maisie had the same idea.

“Does this camera angle make me look fat?”

Finally looking like summer around here!

“Stay out longer with me next time, please?”

It wasn’t easy to go back inside, but when you can see the finish line, it gives you more incentive to keep working. And once that line is crossed? Rest assured, Maisie–I will stay out with you much longer then.

“Best advice on writing I’ve ever received. Finish.”
~ Peter Mayle

Invincible Summer

Published on by J. Kelland Perry18 Comments

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger — something better, pushing right back.” – Albert Camus

This is one of my best-loved quotes.
Small wonder the author won the Nobel prize in Literature in 1957.

Do you have a favourite quote to share?