Bleak Years Ends With A Beautiful Afterglow

THE YEAR 2016 was filled with bad things happening in the world too numerous to contemplate here. Nature walks were a soothing balm during sad news events but our outdoor excursions were limited this past while due to snow and ice. Recent milder weather just days before the New Year, however, warmed up the pathways and scenery. At this writing it looks like the bleak year will end with a beautiful afterglow. Hopefully, it's a good omen for brighter days to come.

View endless skies from around the globe at Skywatch Friday.

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

SOMEONE GOT A DRONE FOR CHRISTMAS

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

WAKING UP IN A SNOWGLOBE

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

HIPPOS, RACCOONS & SEALS IN THE DRIFTWOOD?

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

HOLLYBERRIES DUSTED WITH SNOW

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

INNER CURRENTS EBB & FLOW

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

MY LOVE GAVE ME A LEAF

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

TIS THE SEASON: WAKE UP SLEEPYHEADS

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

BLUSTER

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

VANCOUVER'S THRIVING EASTSIDE STREET ART

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

RETURN OF THE SEASONAL BOUNCE AND SPARKLE

CHRISTMAS craft fairs are suddenly sprouting up around every corner. Not all were being bouncy about it so early in the season. One small deflated balloon hung over the signage while a bit of tinsel went virtually unnoticed behind the sign, its sparkle hidden in a shadow.

If ever there was a time the world needed a lift and some sparkle this would be it.

It's time to rejoice, the tinsel struck by a sunbeam seemed to say, ready or not! Are you ready to bounce back and come out of the shadows?

This post will be linked to SIGNS, SIGNS and also, (to heighten shadow awareness), Shadow Shot Sunday.

To explore sights from around the globe, visit OUR WORLD at the sidebar.

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

VOTERS FAILED TO SHATTER THE GLASS CEILING IN AMERICA ... BUT THEY DID SHATTER MY HEART

This post is linked to Wordless Wednesday.

For more about the election read HERE.

WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

SCARIEST HALLOWEEN EVER!!!!

THERE IS much of importance going on. A lot of it is quietly good for the planet and for humankind but largely goes unnoticed. Amid the fireworks and noisy clatter of wars, earthquakes, innocent lives lost, misinformation and confusion that do make up the news, a real life boogieman and bombastic bully, viewed as orange-hued by some, gained quite a cult of followers. The decorative pumpkin (above) was a recent reminder of the "horror show" we've been watching.

The US election is one of the scariest things happening in our midst this 2016 Halloween season. I think a large portion of the world will be hiding under their bed covers this November afraid of the outcome.

If you're not frightened enough already check out Halloween costumes from a previous year HERE.

To explore sights from around the globe, visit OUR WORLD at the sidebar.

This post is also linked to Orange You Glad It's Friday.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

LEAFY FLASH OF COLOUR

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

PICK OF PUMPKINS

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

CAST YOUR DREAMS IN ALL DIRECTIONS

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

HOLLOW TREE STUMP

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

A BRUSH WITH AUTUMN COLOUR

SOMEONE HAD A BURST OF CREATIVITY and painted flowers on their car (below) while autumn continues to paint my world orange, red and gold.

Although pumpkins have mostly popped up on porches, I spotted one over a fence amid the decorative antlers pictured below.

This is my favorite season not only because of the vivid colours but because it is a cleansing, resting time of year. It seems as if all life needs to be refreshed so is cozying up for the long winter's nap ahead.

To explore sights from around the globe, link to OUR WORLD at the sidebar.

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

SEAGULLS SURF THE CHILLY WATERS

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

STAINED GLASS GLOWING

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

WALL OF FIERY FOLIAGE

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

MULTIPLYING MUSHROOMS & A RABBIT

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

HOME IS WHERE THE UMBRELLAS HANG OUT

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

MEANDERING UP A WINDING ROAD

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

UMBRELLA ART AT IKEA CAFE

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

KNEE DEEP & SNIFFING THE SEAWATER

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

COBWEB CLINGS TO TINSEL STRAND

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

HUMMINGBIRD RESTS ON PRICKLY STEM

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Paint ... But Do Not Hammer On Train Cars

YOU CAN paint graffiti on them ...

but (as the sign below says) hammering on train cars that carry hazardous materials is definitely a no, no.

Watching the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) methodically chug by,

we were reminded yet again that no person or vehicle will get in or out of Crescent Beach for about 15 minutes, including an ambulance or a fire truck.

The route of this overburdened and increasingly long freight train is a disaster-in-waiting.

The likelihood of the hillside along the tracks eroding and the possibility of coal train dust or toxic chemical spills harming the community is real.

Solutions have long been sought, from building a tunnel or a bridge to relocating the tracks.

Recently the idea of relocating the tracks has gained steam.

Local citizens urging politicians to study the matter see positive signs.

Now the BC government Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Surrey-White Rock Gordon Hogg, local mayors, federal Member of Parliament (MP) Ken Hardie and BC Transportation Minister Todd Stone are on board with the plan. This is only the start as financial considerations and negotiations with BNSF will no doubt run into stumbling blocks. Any new and most likely shorter route to destined ports would meet new environmental challenges.

If relocation of the tracks happens eventually, I will not miss the drifting art (vandalism to many) blocking a critical path several times a day.

Relocation will unlock larger portions of seascape to pedestrians. People will be able to freely walk and perhaps cycle from the City of White Rock to Crescent Beach in Surrey along one of the most scenic shorelines in BC.

What a privilege and a joy this would be not only for locals but for visitors from around the globe.

To explore more sights from around the globe, link to OUR WORLD .

This post will also be linked to SIGNS, SIGNS.

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms