I walked today along the south end of Penticton, along beautiful Skaha Lake. The lake was calm, and the skies were silent, absent was the sights and sounds of helicopters water bombing Christie Mountain.
Peace reigned, and I was grateful for the small rain storm last night that put the final kabosh on the smouldering remains of the fire.
Welcome to “Life and Random Thinking” today on August 31, 2020. – David
Africa (the cat above) and I are glad you are visiting. 🙂
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As I walked along the beach walk
I was thinking about how so many families on the west side of the valley have lived with their minds on edge.
Hundreds of families given evacuation alerts, and an unknown amount actually packing up special items and living with friends for the duration.
Friends of mine who live on the valley’s westside, report the helicopters flying over their home, the vibrating air every six minutes as the copters flew overhead back on forth to protect their homes and families.
They said the copters flew a mere”chip shot with 5 iron” over their home!

I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day - Johnny Nash "I can see Clearly Now"
We sometimes have heavy rain here,
the kind of storm where the rain bounces back up. Those storms are kind of my favourite, although intimidating, they tend to be shorter in length, and I know rainbows (sometimes more than one) are not far ahead.
Those heavy short-in-length storms are also easier to wait out, if caught out in one, I can even enjoy it under the canopy of a nice evergreen and the air smells so fresh.






I think I can make it now the pain is gone All of the bad feelings have disappeared Here is that rainbow I've been praying for It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day - Johnny Nash "I can see Clearly Now"
The hardest storms to endure are the ones that are unpredictable in length. Even though I know a storm will eventually pass, and the sun will shine again without a doubt, I wish I could control the storm.
Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies - Johnny Nash "I can see Clearly Now"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read the blog of a 20 year old young woman today,
and she has had a tough journey healthwise since a young age. It was inspiring to read how she managed through it all, and now is sharing her journey.
I imagine that her storm felt like it would never end some days. Today for her the rain storms still come but she knows that the sun is still there, above the clouds.
At a young age, the pain seemed endless but now she knows the clouds will pass. She can ” look straight ahead and see the BLUE skies”.
Click here to visit her post called “Kiara is Growing”.
I am grateful she shared her story and visited my blog (so I found her) because it is a reminder for me, change is the only constant, and we can’t predict the weather, but we know it will change.
Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window. – Peter Drucker
Such a nice post, David. So much to think about. Very glad the fires are out. Phew. Very effective juxtaposition of the lyrics to ‘I can see clearly now’ … and awesome sunflowers!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jane, phew iis how I feel. 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed the post, if I didn’t control myself my post could all sunflower photos! The birds are loving the seeds and still have new flowers blooming. –
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look at those images, gorgeous! Happy to hear you have got sunshine in your life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, i feel how you shared that i have sunshine in my life. Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures and great song choice! Glad to hear the fire threat is over.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a catchy tune isn’t it Joni, I wonder if I will be humming it in my sleep tonight. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recognized that first photo right away! (And the others, too.) I My M has reported the same. It was very stressful and worrying. Yes, people have to sometimes go through some very crap things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🙏🙏
LikeLike
Great pictures. Glad the fire is out, smoke penetrated clothes and hair is awful. Is that a vine growing is it rows of apple?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grape vines at a winery- this is winery area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment- glad you enjoyed the photos James👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your cat looks so comfy. Mine does that, but only when it is cold out. Wonderful photos Dave. Have a great week and a beautiful month of September, the leaves are starting to turn color here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sandra, Africa is cuddling in that photo with my son-in-law Tyler. They are both special! I can feel the cool air in the evening here but autumn changes are a long way away thankfully. 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear you are safe & that things appear to be a little calmer at the moment. Such a beautiful post David.💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lynn, I appreciate sincerely how you read my posts and share your thoughts. Bless you. -David 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
The sky is so blue! Africa is so cute…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kerry, I hope you are well 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am well, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Been a long time since I have heard that song and now I will be singing it for a bit. You live in an absolutely breathtaking area what a joy to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a catchy tune and I hope you enjoy the tune sticking around for a few days. I want to thank you for taking the time to add your comment and for visiting my blog. – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to hear that the fire is out. The sky looks so clear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The skies are clear, and most tourists are gone. Time for a quick visit, the lake still warm enough for a dip but don’t wait too long. Plus wineries are happy to welcome everyone. – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
One thing I always watch for is the colour of the light! When the air has forest fire smoke the light changes to a slight copperish colour! That means the sunsets are more intense!
Pros and cons I guess.
LikeLike
I love that song and it is perfect as we look to the future during the crazy times of 2020.
LikeLike
That is an amazing song, the words and music seem so perfect for that post. I hope you sang it!
LikeLike
I adore sunflowers!! I love those pictures! ♥♥
LikeLike
Always kind thoughtful messages 🤗🤗 – thanks
LikeLike