Lots of ordinary days lately, and all special.
Here in my little town (pueblo – I am studying espanol) named Penticton the season of autumn is doing it’s “thing“.
Leaves have fallen, are fallen, and are yet to fall. I have been in the backyard raking leaves with my wide new leaf rake. (I get excited about small things – that rake is fantastic ♥)
I feel like the tree is laughing at me though. While I am raking it drops more leaves one at a time exactly where I just raked, to ruin my freshly raked look. Oy vey
After I go inside, it waits patiently until the sun sets around 4:30 and then shakes a fresh coat of leaves to cover my briefly pristine grass.
I thought it was the wind, but now I am sure the leaves shaking is because the tree is chuckling. But the last laugh will be mine, because the tree is running out of leaves; albeit gradually.
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Here is some pictures I hope you will enjoy; all taken locally in Penticton.
Click here if you want to learn where Penticton is.
The first photo below is along the Okanagan lake in Peachland, about 25 minutes north of where I live.
Such nice names for communities north of Penticton; Summerland and Peachland.
The other pictures are just from walks lately. I walk every day, usually a few times a day and sometimes after dark. I need to burn those calories, and that means getting out there and taking steps.
A few days recently I have been out on my bike also, thank heaven for the invention of fleece balaclava ‘s. My face stays warm even if the rest of me feels a little numb. ♥
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In 2006 I had been working at my job for 26 years. That is a long time, I definitely could and did communicate for work.
At work there was an Open House, and a speaker there told us about Toastmasters. It sounded interesting and it was about learning to be comfortable speaking and more. I was intrigued. I didn’t want to improve my speaking and confidence for work, I wanted to do it for myself, for the events in life I consider more important than w-o-r-k.
I decided to join Toastmasters so I can speak “whenever” I wanted to; that included family events, happy and sad. I am glad I did. I have spoken many times now on behalf of the family, and each time I was grateful to do so.
Looking back I am glad I didn’t settle for my “good enough” level of confidence and public speaking.
I mention this for anyone who is already “good enough” at communicating at their jobs, or personal events.
I never look for a plumber, barber, surgeon or dentist and settle for “good enough” – so I decided to join Toastmasters in 2006. I never had a clue then I would enjoy it so much I would still be active as a member 14 years later.
What is Toastmasters? It’s a worldwide learning organization since 1924 – people have been learning and bettering themselves for decades and having an amazing time while doing so.
Click here to visit Toastmasters.org and learn more.
Visit a club near you for free – since Toastmasters Internation is in 143 countries there are tens of thousands of clubs and one could be near you! You can attend Toastmasters meeting near you using “Zoom” – plus you can be a guest and learn what it’s about “for free”.
This link is for my Toastmasters Club – Penticton Toasties.
There are three kinds of people in this world; people who make it happen, people who watch what happens, and people who wonder what happened. – Tommy Lasorda
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Thanks for visiting today! – Hugs to my friends who read regularly and leave a like and comment. I hope you are enjoying YOUR ordinary DaZe also. ♥
Suggestions and feedback are super welcome – David
Life and Random Thinking 
Thanks Dave, your blog always makes me Chuckle. Stay safe (could be worse, it could be like the apple treeâs in the Wizard of Oz.) Bob
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
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Not in Kansas anymore eh? I am glad you enjoyed the post. Almost your kidneyanniversary right? I hope you are doing fabulous 🙏
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I love the names of your towns. This fall (otoño) we had a wind blow through that blew most of the leaves off all in one day. We had wind again today, and it will probably take care of the rest of them. I love the mental picture of the tree chuckling at your leaf raking efforts.
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Thank you Laura, you made me smile. Penticton is an Indian name meaning Place to Live Forever. or The Gathering Place.
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I think my tree in the front yard has been doing the same thing! 🙂 and your cat………..adorable!!!
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Thank you Wendi. Africa is loved. I miss our previous cat, Errol Flynn. He was a dapper male in a black and white tuxedo. So smart also
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🙂 fur babies are such blessings!
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Thanks for reminding me, I still have a garden full of leaves to rake up. If only it would stop raining.
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Hi James, it’s raining right now but that’s snow in the mountains around me. I prefer rain
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The idea that the tree is chuckling at you made ME chuckle. But, after having thought about it, I wonder if you’re exactly right?
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That tree waits until I turn my back and every new leaf lands in a cleaned area. 😂
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Love the idea of the tree chuckling!
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Thank you Magarisa. She’s a good tree and I take care of her, her stylist gives her a trim in the winter every year. She gives us hundreds of kilograms of cherries, shade and attracts feathered friends.
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Hundreds of kilograms of cherries? Wow! What a wonderful tree to have in your backyard.
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Of course we can’t eat that many so my wife cans them and we share with friends, family and neighbours. Cherries at Christmas are especially appreciated.
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Dave, your writings are little moments of peace and tranquility in this crazy world. Many blessings to you.
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I appreciate that Lorrie. I am a hugger person not a elbow tapper. I am grateful for your encouragement. Hugs-Dave
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Ditto. Hugs!
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I liked the tree analogy. I’ve never seen a cherry tree that big.
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Thanks Joni. It has a wonderful umbrella shape from years of trimming. I can pick closer to the ground that way. Take care. -Dave
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The names of your towns sound welcoming and friendly, love to see all the pictures. My husband tries to keep up with the leaf blowing of our yard so that it doesn’t build up, but there are times when I get a little giggle when after he comes in it gets windy and all his work is undone. That kitty is so snuggly.
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It was so nice for me to read this comment to begin my day. Bless you – David
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Toastmasters is an amazing place to express ones thoughts through a speech.
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So true. Many people have a story to share. I know my Dad is glad I have shared on behalf of the family.
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Awesome pictures Dave! Wishing you a blessed week! ♥♥
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Hello and hugs. The rain is transitioning into snow right now in my yard. The rain this morning is now snowflakes that melt when they hit the ground. A few cars around with snow on them, I suppose they were at a higher elevation. I am concerned about supplies – all out of hot chocolate. ♥
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