Clean Up Time

Well we are hopefully optimistic that the majority of the snow storms are behind us. This has been the most unusual year for us as our area is not unknown to have roses still in bloom until right about now. In any event, we are not alone in this climatic overturn and it’s time to start to clean off the excess as seen in the example below.

Vapor

As the temperature was in the process of cooling down just prior to our huge snowfall, the drastic temperature change between the atmosphere and the water created a phenomenal water vapor as seen from our deck..

Evening Photo

The snow has stopped falling and we enjoyed a pleasant warm day. We took this picture from our deck just as darkness was setting in.

Winter Wonder Land

Well as you can see the snow isn’t melting all that fast yet, but it is very comfortable out and no doubt it shall be receding some within the next few days.

Birdhouse

We had a slight melt down overnight short lived as it was, it did bring the little birdhouse into focus with optimism for future tenants.

The Mail

Snow or no snow, it didn’t stop the mail from coming through. Many thanks to those who worked so hard to fulfill Christmas expectations.

It is still Christmas Day here and we hope that you all had a lovely one as well.

Osprey

Well folks it’s snowing again! Whoopee more exercise! Saw an Osprey resting on a tree in search of it's next prey. We managed to zoom it in through our kitchen window

We can’t see across the lake today. The Osprey was sitting on the tallest tree located just above the tiny chimney in the foreground.

Snow Grader

The snow grader! After a night of snowflakes this is a very comforting sight indeed.

Roof Line

Rare as it is, Canada now is totally white from coast to coast. This is not the usual, as most years the West Coast enjoys many green Christmas seasons. Our neighbors roof, next door will give you an fair idea of the monumental amount that has accumulated to date. Fortunately it is calm and the temperatures are moderate making for pleasant conditions

Ice Wine In The Making ???? LOL

A computer gremlin managed to put us down for a while, but it appears that we are up and running again. So far we have survived the deluge of snow and are now experiencing a cold spell of degrees that have been unheard for many many years in this part of the world. Although we do have some amazing snow pictures to show you, the first thing that comes to mind is a unique situation that came up a couple of years ago. We got an unexpected cold snap that year long before the snow fell. Simultaneously the irrigation system snapped a leak resulting in a massive ice accumulation on the vines themselves. It was an awesome sight to behold. The ice melted within a matter of hours incurring no damage to the vines themselves.

After Effects

Today we will show you the after effects of yesterdays snowfall. All our ski resorts are now open and the skiers are absolutely overjoyed.

Snow Starlings

It hasn't stopped snowing since yesterday and the starlings are parading around in droves. A truly interesting watch as they fly very quickly in beautiful patterned formation back and forth, up and down, over and under, etc. Now that it has snowed we expect they will move further south for the winter soon.

Snow & Fog

Same photo as yesterday, but what a difference a day makes! We are getting light snow flakes today coupled by fog in the background. This will brighten our terrain and promote the Christmas spirit.

Morning sunrise

A rather pretty sight of sun and clouds taken through our window this morning.

Council chooses West Kelowna

On Tuesday evening council unanimously approved the name change to West Kelowna from the original name of Westbank, BC. This decision was primarily based on a public opinion pole conducted in November wherein the majority of voters selected the name change.

Contrast

Today we have a day of contrast, green grass in the foreground against the freshly fallen snow capped Boucherie Mountain in the background.

Planet Bee Honey Farm

The Planet Bee Honey Farm is located approximately one hour north of Kelowna. This facility offers a wide variety of honey and honey products available locally as well as from the close surrounding area. Tours are ongoing throughout the summer months.
The display hive pictured below is a hive of activity in the summer but is relatively dormant this time of year

Gellatly Nut Farm

Our local Gellatly Nut Farm is a historical 100 year old orchard, featuring ongoing research into rare varieties of nuts. It is a popular tourist attraction with it's walking trails, benches, picnic tables, ongoing events throughout the summer months. as well as product sales in the autumn

Butcher Shop

There is an excellent privately owned butcher shop approximately ½ hour outside the City of Kelowna. All of their products are made on site, many of which are organic and contain no preservatives.

Not A Skiers Paradise

Much to the dismay of the snow skiers and boarders, we do not have enough snow to accommodate their sport to date.

Sunset

Sunset over the marina.

Water Front View

Lakeside view of the Cove Waterfront Resort pictured yesterday.

The Cove Resort

The Cove a newly completed lakeside resort opens up onto a landscaped courtyard complete with pools, waterslides, hot tubs and a putting green. It is situated within easy access to local wineries and walking trails as well as being accessible to 75 miles of water sports.

After The Snow

What a difference a day makes! This is the same image as submitted on Nov. 28, however, the snow has since completely vanished.

Fruit & Veggies

As most, if not all of our fruit and vegetables are grown in the valley, bulk purchase markets are popular not only by the locals, but by the tourists as well, who stock up before leaving for home.

He's Coming!

Look up!

Who is it????

Why it's Santa Himself!!

We did get snow on the ground yesterday, but seeing as it's raining this morning , Santa

justifiably elected to forego chancing his sleigh and arrived by helicopter.

Hooray Santa!!

Oru first Snowfall

Continuing on from yesterday the folks that stored their boats for the winter did so with premonition. What a difference a day makes, our first snowfall! Whether it stays or whether it doesn't is debatable, however, time will tell.

Good Bye Summer

A realistic sign of season's end, the boats are stored in the marina while others are being moved to private storage facilities.

More Misson Creek

Continuing yesterday's journey onward, we found more ice accumulation along the edges of the stream. To date we have had no snow at ground level, however, the nearby ski resorts that aren't opening this weekend, will be opening shortly.

Misson Creek

Today we drove up to Mission Creek a mere 11 kil. (6.83 miles) from home where we were surprised to find bits of ice forming along the edges of the creek bed.

Autumn View

An autumn view taken from our walking trail of yesterday.

Houseboats

The lake along our favorite walking trail is presently housing an assortment of houseboats stored for the season. This has occurred only recently due to a shortage of moorage, another casualty of lakeside developements.

Seagulls

At this time of year, the seagulls occupy what is referred to as 'their own little island' on the lake's edge. Here they come and go as if in play.

This Morning

Does this indicate an upcoming storm?

Work Crew

Today we came upon a work crew who are engaged in stringing telephone wiring across the roadway in preparation for the new development of homes which will be built on a parcel of property facing the lake.

Jack Frost

This morning an old acquaintance Mr. Jack Frost stopped by for a brief visit for the first time this season; and although not unexpected he chose to move on for the time being

Evening Shadow

A typical autumn afternoon view of shadows creeping onto the vineyard.

The Weeping Willow

The leaves have now changed color and have fallen off of the grape vines. The grapes are being processed in the winery while only the lonely weeping willow is showing it's autumn glory.

Okanagan Sunrise

An early morning autumn sunrise.

Flyers

This recycled paper Flyer Package comes packed inside a newspaper containing all the current sales flyers.