The Okanagan valley
has a little bit of high smoke blowing from the south today, but during the last few days, we have enjoyed some lovely blue days; blue skies and blue water.
When out cycling along one of our two lakes on those days, the peace and calm of the scenery are nature’s gifts unwrapped for anyone to enjoy.
I thought today I would share some photos, and add captions to them. A simple post, not to take too much of your time and I hope you enjoy looking and reading the captions.
I am behind on reading so many blogs right now, please forgive me. – David ♥
Looking north to my city about 16 kilometres south on last Saturday. This is a nice spot, I was hoping to spot some bats coming out at dusk, but no luck. 
Same Saturday as the bbq picture, see how peaceful and quiet the beach was? 
Last Saturday we drove up north about 16 kilometres (9.4 miles) to Sunoka beach. We had a hot dog bbq, and my son dared a dip in the lake! 
Africa has taken the tv remote again – my daughter says she is a control freak. ♥♥♥ 
Different lake, Skaha lake, also close to home – nature is sweet isn’t she? Camera doesn’t share the feeling, sorry. 
I was heading down the street by my house and these two young deer were enjoying a snack – probably the same ones that demolished my azaleas. I asked their Momma dear to exit my back yard later in the day. ♥ 
One of the blue-tiful days this week I was telling you about. This is my son in the blue, the blue skies and the blue Okanagan lake. 
Out for a walk along one of the pathways I spotted this coyote. He was just watching people go by, of course he was safe and “outstanding in his field” 
close up of a kokanee salmon, the camera doesn’t see as well as you could in person. 
My son David, and part of the creek that is enhanced with boulders and pools to help the Kokanee spawning success. Years ago I planted trees along both shores in this section to give more shade, looks good now. 
Hard to see in these photos of a creek in town but the Kokanee are running. They are salmon, bright red and are laying their eggs and then dying. Sad and yet optimistic to see all the fish. 
It’s GoByBike week here in British Columbia. I have been riding 20 or so kilometres daily and keeping track of each ride for the website of GoByBike. Usually two rides a day and sometimes after dark, I have lights !
Tonight at my Toastmaster’s club my speech project is to tell a story – 5 to 7 minutes long. I try to be original in my speeches and the inspiration for my speech entitled “Skunked” came from playing “crib” with my son.
If you don’t know what Crib is; Crib is a card game, and you keep score on a board. I created for tonight’s speech at Penticton Toasties a short story about a young man named Claudio, who plays crib with his Papa after a family meal. After just avoiding being skunked (losing by 30 points) Claudio shares two life lessons he has learned from playing cards with his Papa. Of course, the story made me exercise my cheek muscles and I look forward to hearing my audience response and feedback (gifts).
Thanks for visiting and look forward to hearing your thoughts, I appreciate your visit. – Take care, David
Life and Random Thinking 
You live in such a beautiful area where Mother Nature’s glory is so close by in many different directions! Thank you for taking me on journeying to that loveliness with you. Oh, and darn it, David, what are the two life lessons Claudio learned from playing cards with his papa? Inquiring minds want to know…. but me, I’m just asking for a friend…. HA HA HA
LikeLike
🙂 ♥ Two lessons Claudio has learned – you can try to make your own luck but you can never be sure what will happen. Plus sometimes bad things happen, like being skunked but it could have been worse and you can play another day. Tell your friend 🙂 hugs
LikeLike
Great photos and it is something special when you can head out on your bike and revel in the peaceful nature of the scenery around every corner. More than ever, so important to get out and enjoy them if you can. Take care ~
LikeLike
Thank you, no matter the weather I enjoy being outside and feeling the breezes; enjoying the peace and quiet. I liked your comment Dalo.
LikeLike
I love the pictures! The landscape is majestic, the animal adorable and the 2 guys handsome!!
Good luck with your speech! Have a blessed weekend! ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! the speech went very well, and I am grateful for your terrific comment. I hope your weekend will be blessed also! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos, and I remember playing crib in my teens and early twenties, but I haven’t played in years.
LikeLike
Thanks Debra, I saw a nice crib board today shaped like a bear. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful saying with each photo, I remember the game Crib, I still have it. There are lessons to be learned everywhere we look. 😉 Thank you Dave.
LikeLiked by 1 person