Wow, Those Northern Lights!
  
Since moving out to Chilliwack 5 years ago, we have experienced all kinds of beautiful natural events. We have also experienced some less than beautiful events. Nature is stunning, and also cruel and messy.
The show of Northern Lights last month was simply spectacular! Fortunately, Michelle was able to get a number of gorgeous photos, along with a crick in her neck from looking up for so long. All while Jamie was tucked into bed snoring.
We all know that the lights show up better on camera, but out here in the sticks it was pretty spectacular in person as well! This one is Jamie's personal favourite of the captures. She is hopeful that she will be able to stay up past 9 PM, and that the clouds will clear up, should the lights make another appearance.
How Much Can Jamie and Michelle Do in May?
As it turns out, a whole lot! May was an extremely busy months for us personally. Not only did we complete the refinishing of our stairs and railings (which we started in February, be gone Orange 90s oak!), we also painted our very tall entrance, got the entire garden planted, and hosted Michelle's family from near and far for an incredible feast.
To say we are tired is an understatement. During the planning for the entrance painting, Michelle went to great lengths to pick the exact perfect colour for the walls. This process included using Samson's lovely hair as a colour swatch. He was very patient with the process and we are very happy with the results!
Embracing Biodiversity in Our "Lawn"
As some of you may know, we live on the banks of the Chilliwack River. Because of the sensitive environment we are in, and the fact that our dogs regularly graze in the yard, we have chosen not to use any herbicides, pesticides or harsh fertilizers on our property. The results have been amazing!
All spring our yard has been visited by bees enjoying our selection of wild flowers, tulips, daffodils, apple blossoms and flowering herbs. We also overseeded our lawn with a mix of grass seed, micro clover and rye which is extremely luscious and cuts down our need to mow by half.
This seed mix has also been very helpful in managing the invasive dandelions, which Jamie often painstakingly removes by hand. With so many other flowers to enjoy, bees have not missed dandelions in our yard, and this brings us both great joy and great harvests.
This picture is of a little bee who spent a good long while perusing the chive flowers by the garden. Pollinate on, little friend!
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