Home again and too busy

 A lake from glacier melt, with sand bars and a train in the back ground.

 At Rogers pass on a cloudy day

 Mount Rundle

At the Banff rest stop

We have been home for about a week and are slowly getting home and garden back to normal.  Having a nasty cold did not help matters.  The photos are from on our way back East. I am slowly getting my many photos sorted and picking the good ones to upload to my Megashot account for family and friends, as promised.  At the rate I am going, this is going to take awhile.  My thanks to everyone who hosted us in their homes.  Was really good to see everyone.

There were some wicked fires in Sask. and in B.C. And thunder, lighting, pouring rain and hail in the Calgary area and in Winnipeg area. 

While we were away Victoria had a very hot week or so.  Our care taker lady was diligent about watering the plants and taking good care of everything, so all was in pretty good order despite the heat.

We have a very good crop of figs this year and are enjoying them right off the tree.  Our yellow plum tree is loaded with fruit.  I have made a bit of plum and pepper chutney that tastes pretty good.  Also getting some of the plums processed and into packages for freezing.  We did not eat some of the crop from last year, and I did not have it frozen.  The jars are still sealed, but I have not tasted them.  There are just so many again this year.  I think it will be better if I refill the packages or jars and freeze them.  I am not that confident in my ability to preserve fruit without having it frozen.  I have a rum pot started.  The pot is full and seems to be working really well.  Tastes good already and it is only a week old.  I put layers of yellow plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and cherries, in the jar with the required amount of sugar and brandy.  I have been stirring it gently every other day.  It should be ready in 6 to 8 weeks, the recipe says.  It seems that the fruit should remain covered with the liquid and a tight fitting jar cover.   At the time of eating, the liquid can be drained off and enjoyed as a tasty drink.