L is for LIVING

Welcome to this week! We are celebrating the letter L and I decided to show you a little of where I live now.  I'm still living in the village of Ladner, just south of the big city of Vancouver, but in a condo which in itself feels like a village within a village.  I've met so many lovely people here, a lot with dogs that Tegan and I see out in the big back yard. 

So this is where we head right after breakfast, mid-afternoon, and before bedtime.  We still go to Ladner Harbour Park to play Frisbee or to take a stroll in the forest.  I "could" play Frisbee with Tegan here because it is certainly big enough, but she gets so excited she barks quite loudly!  And I don't want people complaining!  Here are a few more perspectives of the area.

And this is where those of us who gather to let our pups play can sit and chat or just simply enjoy the sense of being in our own garden.  You can just see Ladner's town clock to the top left of the photo beyond the Safeway (beige wall).  I love to wander around the edges of the garden here and take shots of things that take my fancy...like the following:

There are 4 buildings in this particular complex and from the front, the whole area doesn't look that appealing, but as you can see, once you get into the area (which is gated and locked), you get a whole different feel.  There is one area just outside and around the corner from my particular unit with a huge courtyard surrounded by gardens with small to large bushes, trees, flowers, hedges, and even a giant gazebo!  There are some chairs out there, but all residents are welcome to bring their own chairs to enjoy the comradery that can be found out there in the spring, summer, and fall.  Here are a few shots I've taken recently.  First, the blossoms on a tree that I'm unfamiliar with (I thought these might be apple blossoms, but maybe someone out there can help me out.)  The first two shots were taken a week ago, and the last just the other day.

Here are more lovely shots of parts of the courtyard.

Tegan and I seem to have a good routine going right now, and she quickly figured out which door is for the back garden and which door is the elevator.  She sits nicely to wait for the elevator and sits inside for the ride looking up at me with those big brown eyes.  Then she likes to take her leash in her mouth and walk ME to our front door.  We are very happy here and I feel as though I've begun the next phase of life.  And finally, of course, a shot of one lazy English Labrador with a pine cone and stick within easy reach in the lap of luxury.

 With thanks to our Lady Denise (Nesbitt), creator of ABC Wednesday, and to our Leader Roger, who keeps everything running smoothly.  Also, thanks to the lively team of helpers who lighten the load for everyone.