I am currently on the road traveling from family meet-ups in Kelowna to a long-overdue friendship catch-up in Seattle. Thus, July on the Fly! Summer so far has been all about family, friends, food, celebrating, libraries and roadtrips. This is what’s been on my camera roll this past month. What’s been on yours? If you have a question or comment about a particular photo, please shout. And if you have something to share, please join us!
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
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67 thoughts on “Wordless July On The Fly”
Family and friends, what more could you want, Donna! Photos full of Joy for July! You pack so much into life and always an inspiration to me. Your Mum is looking so well. x
Hi, Sue – Thank you for your kind words. As you know well, having an aging family member that you love dearly (like your beautiful MIL) brings both joy and constant worry. My trips to Kelowna (and beyond) are now fraught with worry. But we had a wonderful Family Reunion and I got in much 1:1 quality time with my mom. For that, I am forever grateful.
Hi, Margaret – That is cool that you live nearby. Today, we took the slow, scenic route from Kelowna to Chelan to Everett to Seattle. It was absolutely beautiful — but also heavy traffic throughout. Lots of tourists wanting to enjoy the beauty just like us! ❤
Thanks, Joe – I love that family friendly F-words. Family, friends, food, fun…and I even snuck in daily fitness! I hope that all is well with you and Helen.
Like Sue said, you have a full life & what’s to want for when there’s family & friends. July has been a lot of “bedsitting” – tending to my mom in LTC, visiting my friend in hospital after she broke her hip 3 mos ago (Yeah! She was finally discharged this week) & supporting my neighbor’s family when their patriarch succumbed to a cancer diagnosis. I spent a lot of time under or in front of a fan as the temps outside hovered around 30C. I hosted my aunt & cousin when they came to visit my mom; lots of good food, cards & visiting. I officially resigned from hosting Home Routes house concerts for the coming season. Yes, to everything there is a season. I’m not a picture taker; I’m not sure how any of the past month would translate into a photo?
Hi, Mona – Despite the Anonymous heading, I knew before I reached the end of the second sentence who this comment was from. You are an outstanding daughter and friend, and a very wise one. To everything there definitely is a season. I greatly look forward to our upcoming inperson meetup. ❤
I wasn’t supposed to be involved in the hosting, but Richard was. That means I set the date, made the invitations, sent them out, did the follow-up and shopping. Maybe a bathroom renovation would have been a better idea. 🙂
I’ve loved seeing your family pics popping up in my FB feed Donna – you’re so blessed to have an extended family who all enjoy gathering together. Enjoy your summe. A friend of mine said that people who live in places with bitter winters make the most of their summers – it looks like you’re proving her theory. 🙂
I hadn’t heard that expression before about bitter winters helping us to maximize summers, but I definitely think there’s something to this. Our past two weeks have been in the mid to high 30’s, but that will likely not last for long. ❤
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and your post proves it! Well done Donna, a great way to show us your month, you’re so clever. It really looks like you had a happy month by all those smiles 🙂
Hi Dear Donna, I am out of breath with July, and then I read your ‘July on the Fly’ (love the title, btw) and I am now certain you have cloned yourself!!! 😎
Late last night, I filed/placed my June & July photos on additional external hard drives…1000s of scenic/people photos. I relive the memories and especially the smiles on loved one’s faces.
I know you will continue to enjoy the Summer. Thank you for making me a part of your July. XO 💕Erica
Hi, Erica – Thank you for getting my July off to such a wonderful start. It was a fantastic afternoon with you, Eduarda and Deb. I greatly look forward to our next meetup this autumn. Wishing you a continued fun summer with great photos and memories!
Thanks, Denyse – As you have experienced, helping to provide care for an aging loved-ones has many layers of complexity. But I remain incredibly grateful for having my mom in my life for this extra time.
Donna, this is what summer, heck no, what life is about – special precious moments with family and friends! Love your photos and all seem sunny. The next two months there are two wonderful celebrations – the husband’s niece’s wedding in Scotland which will be amazing and seeing lots of family there. Then there is my uncle’s 80th birthday celebrations in Sweden and the family is huge in there so looking forward to seeing everyone. Bet my camera roll will be full by then! Happy Weekend and enjoy your holiday. hugs xx ❤️
Hi, Janine – Thank you for reading, commenting and for dropping by my Instagram as well. All has been greatly appreciated. I hope everything is going well for you.
Hey Donna! Where are you now? Still in Washington? I’m sure you have a busy schedule but if you’re around let me know? Thom and I are here and heading over to Gig Harbor area today and would love to connect. Obviously I should have checked in sooner to set something up but regardless we will be near YOU on Vancouver Island in a couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to reconnecting! ~Kathy
Thanks, Kathy – We arrived back home three nights ago. After much travel and responsibilities it feels fabulous to be home. Please remind me of your VI dates. Hope all is well for you and Thom.
Family and friends, what more could you want, Donna! Photos full of Joy for July! You pack so much into life and always an inspiration to me. Your Mum is looking so well. x
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Joy for July…I might just borrow those words Sue as that has indeed been my month.
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Go for it, Bernie! Joy for July just popped into my head when I was replying to Donna. I’m so glad July has been joyful for you. xx
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It was a perfect starting point!
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Hi, Sue – Thank you for your kind words. As you know well, having an aging family member that you love dearly (like your beautiful MIL) brings both joy and constant worry. My trips to Kelowna (and beyond) are now fraught with worry. But we had a wonderful Family Reunion and I got in much 1:1 quality time with my mom. For that, I am forever grateful.
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It sounds idyllic! Greetings from just south of Seattle. 🙂
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Hi, Margaret – That is cool that you live nearby. Today, we took the slow, scenic route from Kelowna to Chelan to Everett to Seattle. It was absolutely beautiful — but also heavy traffic throughout. Lots of tourists wanting to enjoy the beauty just like us! ❤
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Donna,
Family and friends–the best kind of fun. Safe travels and enjoy every minute! Joe
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Thanks, Joe – I love that family friendly F-words. Family, friends, food, fun…and I even snuck in daily fitness! I hope that all is well with you and Helen.
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Like Sue said, you have a full life & what’s to want for when there’s family & friends. July has been a lot of “bedsitting” – tending to my mom in LTC, visiting my friend in hospital after she broke her hip 3 mos ago (Yeah! She was finally discharged this week) & supporting my neighbor’s family when their patriarch succumbed to a cancer diagnosis. I spent a lot of time under or in front of a fan as the temps outside hovered around 30C. I hosted my aunt & cousin when they came to visit my mom; lots of good food, cards & visiting. I officially resigned from hosting Home Routes house concerts for the coming season. Yes, to everything there is a season. I’m not a picture taker; I’m not sure how any of the past month would translate into a photo?
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Hi, Mona – Despite the Anonymous heading, I knew before I reached the end of the second sentence who this comment was from. You are an outstanding daughter and friend, and a very wise one. To everything there definitely is a season. I greatly look forward to our upcoming inperson meetup. ❤
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As we Mainers might put it, sounds like a finest kind of July.
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Hi, Laurie – I truly love all of your Mainers expressions. It’s awesome to see you back in the blogging world!
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Thanks so much!
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A great way to celebrate the summer!
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Well, I was going to celebrate by renovating my bathroom…but I didn’t want to be a copycat! 😀
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Celebration with family is a happier event. Last summer I hosted my family reunion. Believe me, it was way more fun than a bath renovation!
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I wasn’t supposed to be involved in the hosting, but Richard was. That means I set the date, made the invitations, sent them out, did the follow-up and shopping. Maybe a bathroom renovation would have been a better idea. 🙂
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Love the short and to the point post. July on the fly indeed. Seems like all the best stuff. Bernie
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Hi, Bernie – Why does July always seem to speed by so quickly? And why can’t February do that? ❤
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You know that time is the same in February, right?😉
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Well, February is technically shorter…but you would never know that! 🙂
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Glad to have been part of your July! See you next week. Safe travels 💕
Deb
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I am so glad that you were too. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Can’t wait for Deb Day!
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I’ve loved seeing your family pics popping up in my FB feed Donna – you’re so blessed to have an extended family who all enjoy gathering together. Enjoy your summe. A friend of mine said that people who live in places with bitter winters make the most of their summers – it looks like you’re proving her theory. 🙂
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I hadn’t heard that expression before about bitter winters helping us to maximize summers, but I definitely think there’s something to this. Our past two weeks have been in the mid to high 30’s, but that will likely not last for long. ❤
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Except your winter isn’t bitter it’s more like butter!
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True!
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Your pictures say it all!
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Thank goodness for camera rolls! ❤
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A happy gallery
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Thanks, Derrick! 🙂
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A welcome happy gallery
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Double thanks, Derrick! 😉
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words and your post proves it! Well done Donna, a great way to show us your month, you’re so clever. It really looks like you had a happy month by all those smiles 🙂
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Hi, Debbie – Thank you for your uplifting comment, as always. And thank you for being an awesome co-host. ❤
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Catching up is always good!
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Absolutely! So good for the soul!
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That sounds like such a fun July!! I am loving all these happy photos.
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I swear that happiness is contagious. At least it usually is for me.
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Hi Dear Donna, I am out of breath with July, and then I read your ‘July on the Fly’ (love the title, btw) and I am now certain you have cloned yourself!!! 😎
Late last night, I filed/placed my June & July photos on additional external hard drives…1000s of scenic/people photos. I relive the memories and especially the smiles on loved one’s faces.
I know you will continue to enjoy the Summer. Thank you for making me a part of your July. XO 💕Erica
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Hi, Erica – Thank you for getting my July off to such a wonderful start. It was a fantastic afternoon with you, Eduarda and Deb. I greatly look forward to our next meetup this autumn. Wishing you a continued fun summer with great photos and memories!
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Looks like lots of fun for you. I enjoy your photos. Keep on keeping on, eh?
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Thanks, Ally – We are just beginning our Seattle adventure. More photos to follow. 🙂
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Glad you’re out and about enjoying family and friends, Donna. Looks like fun! Happy July!
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Thanks, Terri – Wishing a very happy summer right back to you! ♡
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Enjoy your travels, Donna! Thank you for taking a quick timeout to share some photos with us and to host #WBOYC.
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Hi, Christie- Thank you for reading and commenting. I forgot to mention on your post that I got in through InLinkz no problem at all! ♡
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A great way to record your July. I love all the catch ups. I am aware of how those trips to see your Mum can be….take care of you too.
Thanks for the link up, Donna.
Denyse x
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Thanks, Denyse – As you have experienced, helping to provide care for an aging loved-ones has many layers of complexity. But I remain incredibly grateful for having my mom in my life for this extra time.
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Great to see you having a wonderful July Donna. Your photos tell the story. Safe travels to you and your family.
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Thanks, Jennifer – We are now catching up with friends in Seattle. More photos for the camera roll!
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You do look like you’re having fun! I love the fire hydrant – backstory?? #WBOYC
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Hi, Lydia – Great question! The red fire hydrant was part of our July 1 Canada Day Parade.
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A wonderful summer, Donna 🌺💞
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And still going strong! 🙂
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Donna, this is what summer, heck no, what life is about – special precious moments with family and friends! Love your photos and all seem sunny. The next two months there are two wonderful celebrations – the husband’s niece’s wedding in Scotland which will be amazing and seeing lots of family there. Then there is my uncle’s 80th birthday celebrations in Sweden and the family is huge in there so looking forward to seeing everyone. Bet my camera roll will be full by then! Happy Weekend and enjoy your holiday. hugs xx ❤️
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Best wishes to the Bride and Groom. And very happy 80th. Enjoy Scotland. Please share photos with us.
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It’s great to see you are having some wonderful family and friends time too. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
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Thanks, Darlene. It looks like you’ve had a great July as well. Cheers to a fun August as well.
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Wonderful photos capturing wonderful memories, Donna! 🙂
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I love your title July on the fly! Catching up with friends and family is so important and must be bringing you lots of fun and laughter. Enjoy!
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Hi, Janine – Thank you for reading, commenting and for dropping by my Instagram as well. All has been greatly appreciated. I hope everything is going well for you.
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Yes all well here in cold Australia! 😀
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Hey Donna! Where are you now? Still in Washington? I’m sure you have a busy schedule but if you’re around let me know? Thom and I are here and heading over to Gig Harbor area today and would love to connect. Obviously I should have checked in sooner to set something up but regardless we will be near YOU on Vancouver Island in a couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to reconnecting! ~Kathy
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Thanks, Kathy – We arrived back home three nights ago. After much travel and responsibilities it feels fabulous to be home. Please remind me of your VI dates. Hope all is well for you and Thom.
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