How I Enjoy Spring

Green chairs by the lake.

Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #11! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station. Let’s sit in the big green chairs and chat while enjoying the views by the lake.

A Good Week

It’s been a good week, cool, with a mix of sun and clouds, and great for going outside. Five fun activities that make me smile this week:

  1. I cycled on a recently added bike path on University Avenue which is one of the main arteries in downtown Toronto. My trip was fast and fabulous.
  2. I visited the Bloor-Yorkville IceFest21 event. This year’s theme is A Trip Around The World. Click here to see some of the amazing ice sculptures.
  3. On one of my walks, I discovered several beautiful outdoor art displays and murals. Art where I don’t expect it is delightful.
  4. I read a good suspense novel, The Chalk Man, by C.J. Tudor, a new-to-me author. I enjoyed her debut novel so much that I read her second and also good book, The Hiding Place.
  5. I’m hosting Weekend Coffee Share #11 and participating in the following link-ups: Leslie’s Spring Fun List, #SundayStills, #Colour2021, Cee’s FOTD, and #LifeThisWeek.
Tulips in Spring.
Soft Spring green.

Spring Fun List

As I type this, Toronto is still in lockdown. My Spring fun list includes what I can do while following public health measures:

  1. Cycle to explore parks, the lake shore, and the city centre.
  2. Take walks to enjoy nature in Spring and free outdoor public art.
  3. View Toronto’s Cherry Blossoms and the annual Canadian Tulip Festival.
  4. Meet my family and friends outside.
  5. Play 9-hole disc golf in a public park.
  6. Paddle around Toronto Islands.
  7. Plant a small herb garden.
  8. Read 1 book per week and add to my Books in 2021.
  9. Take photos and share my explorations on my blog.
  10. Try a new restaurant take-out.

The Sakura (cherry blossom) trees in Toronto’s High Park are a gift from the citizens of Tokyo. The first Japanese Somei-Yoshino cherry tree was planted here in 1959.

The Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates the historic Royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. Over 1 million tulips will be available for local or virtual viewing May 14-24, 2021.

Spring Green

Spring and green go hand in hand. Let me show you my Spring Green pictures from my photo archive.

The Emerald Isle: March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day which reminds me of my trip to Ireland. The Ring of Kerry, in the south west of Ireland, is a scenic drive that follows the coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way for about 180 km (111 miles). The stunning and green landscape has everything from the mountains to the shoreline.

The Ring of Kerry in Ireland.
The Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

The 16 emerald-coloured lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. It was designated as a national park in 1949, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia in March.

Spring Showers: These Lady’s Mantle fuzzy and cup-like green leaves hold onto water droplets like little gems.

Water drops on Lady's Mantle leaves.
Lady’s Mantle.

Spring Flowers: Daffodils, tulips, and many more flowers bloom in the spring. Their green leaves provide a fresh backdrop and a good colour combination with the flower colours.

Daffodils and tulips.
Daffodils and tulips.

Spring Growth: From bare to green leafy trees. Move the arrows to see.


How did your week go? What do you look forward to this season? I’d love to hear your comments.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.

132 thoughts on “How I Enjoy Spring

  1. leannelc March 19, 2021 / 8:05 am

    Hi Natalie – I love how you make the most of things even when in lockdown. Your green photos were lovely and the tulip display sounds amazing – I hope you do a post on them when they are at their most colourful. Glad Spring has arrived and things are warming up for you – it must be lovely to be able to get out and about in the sunshine.

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 9:04 am

      Hi Leanne, I see myself as an optimist and try to look for the positive in every situation. The second lockdown has been longer than the first and as time goes on, lockdown fatigue occurs. Thankfully, spring is here and the weather is getting nicer. The flowers should be in abundant and at their peak in late-April or early May here. I’ll take photos and share on my blog.

      Like

  2. Jill Weatherholt March 19, 2021 / 8:37 am

    I agree witth Leanne. I love your attitude, Natalie. After reading so many blog posts where people gripe and complain about the lockdown, your words are a breath of fresh air. Your gorgeous photos make me even more anxious for spring. My week has been filled with writing. My next book is due soon, so I’m starting to panic. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 9:16 am

      Jill, All the best with your writing. You’ve got this. Spring is arriving with a stretch of sunny days here so I’m excited to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

      Like

    • Ally Bean March 19, 2021 / 9:28 am

      Jill, you have another book in the works? Congrats. No wonder I haven’t heard from you in a while. Carry on, my writer friend. 😊

      Like

  3. Ally Bean March 19, 2021 / 9:25 am

    Today the sun is out here and there’s a sense of springy hope in the air. I’m willing to bet that winter is gone, but we’re nowhere as near to looking like spring as you are. I love the photo of lady’s mantle.

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 10:33 am

      Ally, We have a stretch of sunny days here this week, with daytime high temps reach 13C (55F). I think spring is replacing winter. My photo of the lady’s mantle was from last year although they’ll return this spring soon. Glad you loved it.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 10:34 am

      Thank you, Laura, for your visit and comment. I think I’m an optimist and my blog reflects that.

      Like

  4. dennyho March 19, 2021 / 10:21 am

    Those tulips and daffodils are gorgeous, wish I could create a dazzling display such as yours. Deer LOVE tulips and are drawn to them like bees to honey so I can only enjoy them in someone elses garden. Thank you for sharing yours!

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 10:41 am

      Thank you, Denny, for your visit and comment. If you like tulips, I recommend viewing the Canadian Tulip Festival virtually. It’s on from May 14 to 24 at tulipfestival dot ca. I also have a link in my post.

      Like

      • dennyho March 19, 2021 / 10:47 am

        Thank you Natalie. I’ll put it on my calendar.

        Like

  5. Laurie March 19, 2021 / 10:40 am

    Oh, those travel photos give me itchy feet! The emerald lakes in Croatia are beautiful! You certainly have had many adventures. I hope you get the chance to share more travel photos before too long. I love the photos of the trees with the arrows. So cool how you did that! Thank you for hosting and thanks for the coffee!

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 10:54 am

      Laurie, When it’s safe to travel again, I recommend Croatia and have Plitvice NP in your itinerary. I use an option called “image compare” in WordPress block editor for my photo of the trees with the arrows. Thank you for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share.

      Like

  6. Antoinette Truglio Martin March 19, 2021 / 11:18 am

    I’m jealous that you already have tulips!

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 6:42 pm

      Antoinette, I look forward to seeing more tulips in April and May. I hope they show up in your neighbourhood soon.

      Like

  7. Thistles and Kiwis March 19, 2021 / 2:42 pm

    Lovely post full of spring optimism! Well, we are entering autumn down here in the Southern Hemisphere, so it is time to think of pots of tea, new season apples, pears and feijoas, watching the non-native trees turn to their autumn colours…..

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 6:46 pm

      Autumn is a beautiful season and your plan sounds wonderful. I don’t think we have feijoa fruit here.

      Like

  8. Deborah Drucker March 19, 2021 / 3:01 pm

    We’re starting to open up slowly here in Southern California. Holding my breath a bit hoping we don’t have any more setbacks. You have some beautiful photos. Really liked the tulips and Kerry, Ireland.

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 6:52 pm

      Deborah, I’m glad to hear Southern CA is opening up slowly. I hope there will be no setback with more people receive vaccines and hopefully continue to follow public health protocols. We have a wide variety of tulips here, especially in April and May. The Ring of Kerry in Ireland is stunning. It’s been the location for many movies.

      Liked by 1 person

        • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:41 pm

          If you like tulips, I recommend viewing the Canadian Tulip Festival virtually. It’s on from May 14 to 24 at tulipfestival dot ca. I also have a link in my post. it’s not the same as seeing them in-person but you’ll see thousands of them and many stunning varieties, grown in carpets.

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Bear March 19, 2021 / 4:45 pm

    Oh, dear, I went and totally forgot St. Patty’s day. I was so excited this week to welcome a new nephewinlaw into the world (last Sunday night), that it totally slipped my mind. I’m not even sure I wore green, and I surely didn’t have my usually Irish music fest. Sigh… On another good note…as of today, some restrictions are lifted…annnd, I saw our Children’s minister this week, and she might be calling me soon to return to work in nursery. I dooooooooooo hope so.

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 6:55 pm

      Bear, Wonderful news about your new nephew-in-law, congratulations! Glad to hear some restrictions are lifted and the promising return to work prospect for you. Have a wonderful weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Sue from Women Living Well After 50 March 19, 2021 / 5:23 pm

    Hi Natalie, your weekly post is one I look forward to each week. I enjoy reading about what you are doing and seeing your photos. This week, my favourite photos are the tulips and the adirondack chairs. They are in the perfect spot on the lake and I could see myself sitting there with a good book. I remember our visit to the Canadian Rockies in 2019 and I have a photo very similar where I’m sitting relaxing and looking out across the lake – so peaceful. Have a great week and thanks for the #weekendcoffeeshare

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:05 pm

      Hi Sue, I look forward to reading about your week, too. The Adirondack chairs are comfortable, aren’t they? We call them Muskoka chairs here. The lake is a big attraction and I’m grateful to have one nearby. I’m glad you join #WeekendCoffeeShare. Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Terri Webster Schrandt March 19, 2021 / 5:28 pm

    Lovely greens, Natalie! What a difference you shared on the boardwalk picture! I think many of us are feeling a little spring fever these days. Glad to read you can still be active and enjoy a variety of outdoor venues!

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:09 pm

      Terri, I hope spring is here to stay until June 20. We’ve a good stretch of sunny days this week. I’m excited to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. I checked out the disc golf course this morning and it’s in great shape 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Jennifer Jones March 19, 2021 / 5:45 pm

    Another great week for you Natalie. I love the andirondack chairs. I love seeing your spring photos as we are starting to dread the coming winter. Ireland is on my travel list

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:13 pm

      Jennifer, I hope you have a nice autumn and mild winter. Ireland is a beautiful and green country. We’ve a good stretch of cool and sunny days this week. I’m excited to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Thank you for linking with #WeekendCoffeeShare. Have a great week!

      Like

  13. Retirement Reflections March 19, 2021 / 6:10 pm

    Hi, Natalie – It is so wonderful to see Spring popping up all over the place. It is soooooo uplifting. I love that you have included #SpringGreen (#SundayStills) with your Weekend Coffee share.
    Your photos are beautiful!

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:18 pm

      Hi Donna, We’ve a good stretch of cool and sunny days this week and I make sure to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. I can’t wait to see flowers pop up in the gardens. I hope to see you at #SundayStills.

      Like

  14. Erica J March 19, 2021 / 6:17 pm

    Hi Natalie! I haven’t been to the lake in so long, just the thought of it is relaxing.

    The Chalk Man has been on my TBR pile for awhile, so I’m curious to see it pop up in someone’s blog — is it one I should move to the top?

    I also wanted to express my gratitude for inviting me — this concept of link-ups is new to me and I have to say I kind of love the community I see growing out of it already. It’s exciting to know I can write and get others to read just by participating!

    I might share my own Spring Fun List in a few days, but yours made me want to make an effort to get outside more. What herbs do you plan on planting? I need to start planning my own garden as well.

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:32 pm

      Welcome, Erica, to Weekend Coffee Share and thank you for your comment. I’m pretty sure you’ll get new visitors to your blog from this weekly link-up. I’ll be one of them 🙂

      If you like psychological suspense books, The Chalk Man and The Hiding Place are both very good. They’re stand alone novels although The Chalk Man is Tudor’s debut novel that brought great attention to her work.

      We’ve a good stretch of cool and sunny days this week. I’m excited to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. I plan on planting basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, mint, and maybe chives and dill.

      Like

  15. Jo March 19, 2021 / 7:11 pm

    You’re the 3rd person this week who’s recommended CJ Tudor’s books…Loving the green – there’s nothing quite like it in spring is there?

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 7:35 pm

      Jo, Spring is such a promising month of more good things to come. I like the two Tudor’s books that I read and have requested her next two books from the library.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Erica/Erika March 19, 2021 / 8:21 pm

    Hi Natalie, I see I missed your Ice fest post and I will find it to read. Tulips are always a great reminder of Spring. Like you say, doing what we can while in lock down. Our recent restrictions now let us include up to a total of 10 people in our back yard, still with masks and maintaining distances. We are very fortunate with the Cherry Blossoms here, especially downtown. Gorgeous photos! I especially love the “Ring of Kerry.” And, the Spring flowers! Wow!

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 8:48 pm

      Hi Erica/ Erika, I put a link to my Icefest post and it’s also listed under my Recent Posts. It’s mostly photos. In Ontario, we’re allowed to meet up to 10 people outside while maintaining 2m apart. My family and friends all wear masks. Indoor social gatherings are still banned. Spring makes it easier to meet outside. The Ring of Kerry is really stunning to see. It’s a location for many movies. I look forward to more spring flowers here in the next 2-3 months.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Denyse Whelan Blogs March 19, 2021 / 8:36 pm

    It’s always lovely to see my Northern Hemisphere friends posts about welcoming Spring as you have all endured a winter of great magnitude alongside COVID. Welcome to Autumn here, although in Australia we have been in it since March 1. We are having torrential rain all along the eastern coast from Sydney and north. Many people in towns by rivers, or even a little creek have been evacuated to higher ground. We are safe, warm and dry but won’t be venturing out at all. Loved the ‘deck chairs’ are Spring Green too.

    Thanks for your link up. See you on Monday.

    Denyse

    Like

    • Natalie March 19, 2021 / 9:04 pm

      Denyse, I’m glad to hear you’re safe, warm and dry. Torrential rains and flooding are so damaging. We have a stretch of sunny days before some rain later this week as per the weather forecast. The deck chairs come in many colours. I chose the green ones for #SundayStills Spring Green theme. Glad you liked them. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare. See you on Monday.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Denyse Whelan Blogs March 24, 2021 / 1:10 am

        Thank you for linking up your blog post to Life This Week #232. Lots of interesting comments from bloggers this time about “good”. Next week, the optional prompt is Heroic….that too might generate more conversation…and THAT is what I love about hosting a link up on my blog. See you there. Denyse.

        Like

        • Natalie March 24, 2021 / 8:16 am

          You’re welcome. I hope to see you at Weekend Coffee Share #12.

          Liked by 1 person

  18. midlifestylist March 19, 2021 / 10:37 pm

    Hi Natalie, your photos are beautiful. I would love to visit Ireland one day. I love the photo that shows the transformation between winter and spring. Very clever! Have a lovely weekend, Christina

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:12 am

      Thank you, Christina, for your compliment on my photos. I’m glad you liked them. I use the “image compare” option in WordPress block editor for the transformation photos. Ireland is a beautiful country. I hope you get to visit it one day. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  19. Ju-Lyn March 19, 2021 / 10:59 pm

    I love that the city adds to the bike paths – upgrading public services, especially in this difficult time is certainly commendable!

    That is a fine list you have made – so many lovely things to do. When do the Sakura bloom in Toronto?

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful spring greens and blooms – the tulip photo is so dreamy!

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:19 am

      Ju-Lyn, I welcomed the addition of bike paths dedicated to cyclists. Toronto recognizes the need to stay active during the pandemic as physical movements outdoors are good for mental health.

      The Sakura bloom occurs any time from mid-April to early May, depends on weather conditions. Last year it peaked in early May.

      Thank you for stopping by. Look forward to seeing your post at the Weekend Coffee Share link-up.

      Like

      • Ju-Lyn March 22, 2021 / 1:09 am

        Hear hear! on exercise and mental wellness. Good on the city council.

        We were just talking about Sakura season in Japan at our dinner table yesterday – it must be so beautiful when in full bloom.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Natalie March 22, 2021 / 9:53 am

          Ju-Lyn, The cherry blossoms in Toronto’s High Park are stunning. They normally attract thousands of people. Last year the city put a 24/7 BloomCam so people can view the blooms from home. I put a link to the city’s web page with last year’s videos in my post. Have a look if you like.

          Like

          • Ju-Lyn March 24, 2021 / 12:59 am

            I can imagine that it would be such an attraction! The sight and smell must be intoxicating!

            What a good idea to have a BloomCam – so more people can enjoy!

            Like

  20. Molly Totoro March 20, 2021 / 8:02 am

    Spring is slow to arrive here in the Midwest… but I am more than ready for warmer walks around the reservoir. I love your idea of starting an herb garden in response to covid lockdown. While I am not a gardener, I think I would enjoy growing plants that I actually use.
    My reading goal for the past several years is a book-a-week. I love your idea of selecting one author a year and reading through their backlist. I think I might borrow that goal for future reading challenges.

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:24 am

      Molly, I plan to plant a small number of herbs that I normally use. I don’t need much and it’s manageable to have ten or less herb plants. The herbal aroma is nice. I set a modest reading goal in anticipation of spending more time outdoors in the spring. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  21. Astrid March 20, 2021 / 8:31 am

    Love your spring-related positivity list. Also, tulips are so beautiful indeed.

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:26 am

      Astrid, Spring and tulips are beautiful to experience. I look forward to the Canadian Tulip Festival.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. trentpmcd March 20, 2021 / 8:57 am

    Sounds like a great week despite all of the protections needed. I love all of the green photos. (I want to go back to Ireland!) I see a little green here, but spring will just creep in. Have a great weekend!

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:31 am

      Trent, Spring green is a soothing colour and so welcoming after winter. Ireland is a beautiful country. I’d love to visit it again if I could. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Regina Martins March 20, 2021 / 9:16 am

    Wow, you have such stunning photos this week: the green chairs are so inviting, the lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park make me yearn to travel there.

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:33 am

      Thank you, Regina, for your compliment on my photos. I think the natural daylight and soothing green colours draw us in. Have a lovely weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Regina Martins March 20, 2021 / 10:57 am

        They do indeed! Have a great weekend. Here in SA we have a public holiday on Monday. So it’s a 3-day weekend for us.

        Like

  24. Jackie March 20, 2021 / 9:19 am

    I had contemplated going to see the sculptures last weekend but was a little worried about the crowd control. Your photos are wonderful.
    Like you, we get out and about on our own, avoiding people. The cherry blossoms are one of my favourites.
    Looking forward to registering for a vaccine on Monday!

    Like

    • Jackie March 20, 2021 / 9:20 am

      P.S. we spent time on St. Patrick’s Day looking at all our photos from previous trip to Ireland.

      Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 9:40 am

      Jackie, I’m excited for you to get your vaccine on Monday! Reviewing your Ireland travel photos is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I went to the IceFest last Sunday morning and there was hardly anyone around (sleeping in I guess). The downside of having the ice sculpture display in March is that some of the ice sculptures have melted or fallen over. There were still many to see and they were spread out on multiple streets. Now we can look forward to seeing cherry blossoms in 4-6 weeks.

      Like

  25. rawsonjl March 20, 2021 / 10:43 am

    Our state just lifted most (all?) travel restrictions yesterday and while I still don’t quite understand the wording of some of the policy I am hopeful that we can at least take a few short trips this spring.

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 10:49 am

      That sounds great, Joanne. Non-essential travel is discouraged in my province atm so I’m staying close to home.

      Like

  26. Gary A Wilson March 20, 2021 / 12:18 pm

    Great stuff Natalie. Loved your photos again, esp, the shot of one of the 16 emerald-coloured lakes in Croatia — spectacular, Thanks again for hosting our get together.

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 1:29 pm

      Thank you, Gary. I’m glad you liked my photos. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  27. danimpark March 20, 2021 / 4:27 pm

    Hi Natalie,

    We too are in a sort of “lockdown” here in Sk, if you can call it that. I would actually prefer is we were in a temporary lockdown. The VoC’s are taking off here. So my list is similar to yours in that is has things on it that have to work with our public health measures. The warmer weather most definitely helps. I love all the outdoor things you have planned. I wish our spring would be warm enough for pretty flowers and such, but alas things don’t get really green here until after May long weekend. But I will take outside time if I can. Also I commend you on a book a week. That is fabulous. One day when my littles are bigger and more independent I am hopeful that I can build that into my routine.

    Thanks for sharing you list! Stay well!

    Danielle

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 5:21 pm

      Thank you, Danielle, for your visit and comment. I hope you and your family are all doing well. I’m enjoying the good stretch of sunny days this week here. Going outside and staying active boost my mood during the long lockdown. I’ll visit your blog to see your Spring fun list soon.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Sanch @ Sanch Writes March 20, 2021 / 4:47 pm

    Lovely photos Natalie! Even just seeing blue skies in photos is making me envious as we’re battling grey skies, constant winds and lots and lots and lots of rain at the moment with no end in sight till mid-week. Thanks for the throwback to Plitvice Lakes – I loved it there. How gorgeous was the water, eh? That’s really cool what you did with that final picture with the arrows. Hope you have a lovely week ahead!

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 5:24 pm

      Sanch, I heard about the torrential rains in Sydney area. I hope the weather improves soon for you. Plitvice Lakes NP is beautiful. I’m glad you also loved it. I use the “image compare” option in WordPress block editor for the final photos with the arrow. Have a great week ahead!

      Like

  29. csuhpat1 March 20, 2021 / 8:36 pm

    So very beautiful. And I guess I am looking to get more and more during the spring. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

    Like

    • Natalie March 20, 2021 / 8:48 pm

      Thank you, Patrick, for your comment and for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share. Spring is here and the weather has been great. Enjoy the weekend!

      Like

  30. Debbie March 21, 2021 / 3:02 am

    What beautiful photos Natalie, that Lady’s Mantle tis something I’ve not seen before and with the rain drops it’s lovely and the tulips and daffodils are brilliant. You always seem to make the most of everything as Leanne says, your optimism and positivity and contagious 🙂 En joy your beautiful spring and I know you will make the most of it!

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 8:40 am

      Thank you, Debbie, for your comment. The Lady’s Mantle plants are popular in the gardens fro spring to autumn here. They grow low on the ground and provide a nice green carpet. I’m grateful for every new day as I can start again and do more of what makes me happy at this life stage 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  31. kirstin troyer March 21, 2021 / 9:33 am

    Hi Natalie,

    I love your spring fun list. It sounds like some great things. I’ve never played disc golf. 1 book a week. wow, that’s awesome. I can barely finish one a month…lol. but I’m trying to get better at this. I too want to get out more and take more photos. I also love the photos you shared for Sunday Stills. So pretty. I’m hoping to finish up some tasks for online work so I can sit and visit everyones posts. I really enjoy it and i’m so glad I found your #weekendcoffeeshare

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 2:39 pm

      Hi Kirstin, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Weekend Coffee Share. I love that there are many interesting blogs to read and photos to see from around the world every week. Thank you for linking up.

      Like

  32. Kathleen Howell March 21, 2021 / 11:57 am

    I can’t wait to get out this season.. These last few days have been sunny and mild and I’ve tried to spend as much time outdoors as I can.. 🙂

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 2:41 pm

      Kathleen, We also have mild and sunny days here this week so yes, definitely taking advantage of that. Have a great week ahead!

      Like

  33. dprastka March 21, 2021 / 2:12 pm

    Hi Natalie! You are so inspiring!! Love all your photos, Spring is here, YAY!! The daffodils and tulips are so BEAUTIFUL!! I Love how you get outdoors and all the wonderful exercise! Thank you for the coffee today. ~Diana ❤️💚💜❤️

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 2:50 pm

      Hi Diana, Spring is a lovely season, with lots of daylight, not too hot temperatures, and overall great for outdoor activities. I look forward to many spring flowers in April and May. Thank you for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Heyjude March 21, 2021 / 3:01 pm

    Thanks for your link Natalie. Sure would love to sit in one of those chairs and look at that view! Sounds like there is lots to see and do in Toronto to keep you happy, and I know all too well about lockdown fatigue. I’m hoping to get out a bit more soon. Your spring cherry blossom and tulip events would be right up my street!

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 3:07 pm

      Thank you, Jude, for hosting. I hope you’ll be able to go outside and enjoy spring safely. We have a nice stretch of sunny days and warmer temperatures this week here so I’ve gone out in the mornings to enjoy the sunshine. Have a great week ahead!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 6:15 pm

      Lydia, Yes, and there are lots more of them around in April and May here. Thank you for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share.

      Like

  35. Katherine March 21, 2021 / 6:06 pm

    Isn’t it lovely that spring has finally rolled around! I was kicking myself that I missed the Bloor-Yorkville IceFest the last time I visited Toronto, but it’s firmly on my bucket list for my next visit, if that happens to be during the winter months.

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 6:19 pm

      Katherine, The IceFest has been fantastic for all the years that I’ve gone to see it, including this year during the pandemic. Hopefully you’ll get to attend next time you visit Toronto in the winter.

      Like

  36. Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid March 21, 2021 / 7:46 pm

    Gorgeous pictures – as always! I love how you list all the things you can do in lockdown rather than worrying about things you can’t. I’d never heard of disc golf until I came to Toronto – are you good at it?!

    Like

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 8:06 pm

      Thank you, Sammie, for your kind compliment. I consider myself a beginner with disc golf although other players think I’m good at it. Not many people know about disc golf although it has become more popular.

      Like

  37. Susanne March 21, 2021 / 8:10 pm

    Hello Natalie! How lovely those tulips are with the soft pink colour! I’ll need to find a good place to plant tulip bulbs in my garden.
    Are the Sakura trees in bloom yet? They are one of the most majestic thing on earth when they are in bloom… I have a decorative cherry tree of sorts and today I saw it has lots of buds and is very close to blossom! That tree was a gift from heaven to me last year at this time when everything was miserable because of the pandemic. Actually exploring spring in my garden was a great help for me generally then.
    Spring has finally come here too, and this week was absolutely fabulous! I’m late to link up, didn’t think I’d have a post ready, but I had some inspiration to write this evening. Take care and keep enjoying life as much as you can!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie March 21, 2021 / 8:19 pm

      Hello Susanne, The Sakura trees bloomed in late April and peaked in early May here last year. It varies from year to year depends on the weather. The cherry blossoms are spectacular to see. They usually draw thousands of people to Toronto’s High Park. Last year the city put on a Bloomcam so people can watch from home. It’s likely going to be virtual viewing this year, too due to the pandemic.

      Gardening is very therapeutic. It would be wonderful to grow something in your garden this spring since you have the space. If you miss the link up closing time, feel free to do a ping back to my post so my blog readers can see your link in the Comments section of this post. Take care and have a great week ahead!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Susanne March 22, 2021 / 4:39 am

        That’s a great idea about the bloom cam! There is a little alley with that type of cherry trees in Stockholm too and it attracts lots of people.
        It’s the third year now with this garden and I have a huge project this year which involves moving a lot of plants because we have an ugly stone wall that we want to hide and most of what we planted there last year didn’t grow fast enough. With the good weather last week, I’ve already done most of the job so now it’s the more fun part left to do! My husband is also building a small greenhouse so there’ll be an exciting growing season.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Natalie March 22, 2021 / 10:02 am

          Well done for taking advantage of the nice weather to get the hard job out of the way. Your greenhouse plan sounds exciting. Have fun gardening!

          Like

  38. Min Write of the Middle March 22, 2021 / 3:18 am

    Hi Natalie, it’s so funny how you’re coming into Spring and over here we’re coming into Autumn. LOVE the photo’s of the tulips – my absolute favourite flower – love them! All your photos are beautiful and I love the chairs overlooking the lake – so inviting!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie March 22, 2021 / 9:57 am

      Hi Min, How we have opposite seasons is interesting. We have a lot of tulips here in April and May, and many varieties, too. They are pretty signs of spring. Those big Muskoka chairs are deep and comfortable. With a lake view, once I sit down in one of those chairs, I want to stay for a long time.

      Like

  39. Christie Hawkes March 22, 2021 / 7:56 am

    Thanks for linking up to our Spring Bucket Lists, Natalie. It’s nice to be reminded that there are numerous enjoyable activities that can be done even during a lock-down. Your green photos are stunning. Here’s to a happy, healthy spring!

    Like

    • Natalie March 22, 2021 / 10:06 am

      Thank you, Christine, for your comment. I’m grateful that he public parks and gardens here have been open throughout the pandemic and Lake Ontario is close by so I can get outside to exercise. Have a wonderful Spring!

      Like

  40. Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life March 22, 2021 / 8:58 am

    Your photos are lovely! I always associate spring with green too. 🙂 The Tulip Festival sounds fun! We went to one in Western Michigan two years ago – it was so amazing to see so many tulips like that.

    Like

    • Natalie March 22, 2021 / 10:08 am

      Thank you, Erin, for your visit and comment. I look forward to the Tulip Festival in May. I’ll visit your blog shortly. I host the weekly Weekend Coffee Share blog link-up. You’re welcome to join in any and every week.

      Like

  41. Rowena March 22, 2021 / 9:56 am

    Hi Natalie,
    I somehow seemed to miss the deadline this week, which I thought you’d put back to the old time, but perhaps there’s been a time zone change. Anyway, here’s my link: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2021/03/22/weekend-coffee-share-22nd-march-2021/
    We’re going into Autumn here, although I really have no conscious awareness of the season right now. It’s just very wet, and it feels like we’re on Noh’s ark or even underwater living in an octopuses garden.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Like

    • Natalie March 22, 2021 / 10:14 am

      Hi Rowena, Thank you for sharing your link. I’ll visit your blog shortly. I heard about the rain in Sydney area. I hope the weather improves soon for you. I haven’t changed the opening and closing time of the Weekend Coffee Share link-up. Daylight Saving Time started here on March 14 and that was the time change.

      Like

  42. OnceUponaTimeHappilyEverAfter.com March 23, 2021 / 9:52 am

    Your photos are always a delight. Like taking a mini-vacation. That water in Croatia is unbelievable. I had a dear friend volunteer in my library from Croatia. She shared many photos of her home land. I would love to see its beauty in person. Terrific photo of the plant with the water droplets on it. Such detail. Almost like I reach out and touch it on my monitor.
    Glad for your spring plans. Hope things will soon move out of lock down. Haven’t thought of Frisbee golf since college days. Good fun!!

    Like

    • Natalie March 23, 2021 / 10:07 am

      Thank you, Leslie, for your kind comment about my photos. Croatia is a beautiful country and Plitvice NP is a gem. The weather has been amazing here so I may be able to play my first disc golf game today. Have a great week!

      Like

  43. Marsha March 26, 2021 / 8:39 pm

    Wow, Natalie, you had a super busy week. That emerald water is out of this world. We rarely see anything that color. I need to check into responding to your blog. It looks like a ton of fun and lots of people are talking about it.

    Like

    • Natalie March 26, 2021 / 9:35 pm

      Marsha, Croatia is a beautiful country and I highly recommend visitors to include Plitvice NP on their itinerary. I hope the talks about my blog are all good, haha. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Marsha March 26, 2021 / 10:29 pm

        They are all fabulous, Natalie. I still want you to do an interview with me when you feel comfortable with it. 🙂

        Like

        • Natalie March 27, 2021 / 10:11 am

          Phew, that’s good to hear, Marsha 🙂 How do you do your interview? Do you send me a set of questions and I send back my answers by email?

          Liked by 1 person

          • Marsha March 27, 2021 / 2:04 pm

            Yes, or we can chat on the phone or by zoom. Either works well. The zoom meeting is more lively, of course, and goes every which way, but I love those interviews because it forms great connections. I’m good either way. I’ll be thrilled to have you as a guest! 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

            • Natalie March 28, 2021 / 10:31 am

              Q&A works for me, Marsha. If you could send me the questions via my Contact form at the top of my blog menu bar, that would be great. Thank you.

              Liked by 1 person

              • Marsha March 28, 2021 / 11:50 am

                Okay, I will do that. Thanks, Natalie. I look forward to it. 🙂

                Like

  44. Dr Sock April 7, 2021 / 1:10 pm

    Natalie, we drove The Ring of Kerry in 2005. It was spectacular. Ireland is truly green. I love the two photos of bare trees and leafy trees, and the slider to toggle between them. Cool!

    Jude

    Like

    • Natalie April 7, 2021 / 4:58 pm

      Jude, The Ring of Kerry is stunning and yes, Ireland is truly green. I used the “image compare” feature in WordPress to toggle between the last two tree photos. Glad you liked it.

      Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.