It was such a glorious day yesterday, that we decided to make it a walk day. Our route took us through the neighbourhoods of Fernwood, Jubilee, the edge of Oak Bay and Rockland, where we spent a bit of time in the grounds of Government House.

Later in the spring and throughout the summer, the grounds at Government House will be full of beautiful plants and flowers. Yesterday we were content to see so many narcissus.

Later in the spring and throughout the summer, the grounds at Government House will be full of beautiful plants and flowers. Yesterday we were content to see so many narcissus.

Ducks and fountain along a pathway through the gardens.

Ducks and fountain along a pathway through the gardens.

The view towards the front of Government House, the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

The view towards the front of Government House, the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

There is a gorgeous rock garden behind the house.

There is a gorgeous rock garden behind the house.

Looking south to Fairfield through the woodlands behind Government House.

Looking south to Fairfield through the woodlands behind Government House.

Time for a treat: hot chocolates and snacks at Bubby Rose's Bakery.

Time for a treat: hot chocolates and snacks at Bubby Rose’s Bakery on Cook Street, near Fort.

Cherry blossoms on Meares Street.

Cherry blossoms on Meares Street.

Clematis armandii – beautiful and fragrant – in the back courtyard of our building.

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Sun is shining this morning; beautiful, colourful morning! Here is the same tree from rainy Saturday, a couple different vantage points.

Beautiful pink blossoms with the Legislative buildings behind. Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada.

Beautiful pink blossoms with the Legislative buildings behind. Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada.

Beyond the blossoms: Inner Harbour, Victoria BC.

Beyond the blossoms: Inner Harbour, Victoria BC.

This was the view of the Inner Harbour yesterday morning. The Coho about to depart for Port Angeles WA and beautiful pink blossoms heralding the beginning of spring.

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The last day of February and I’m squeezing in a couple more hot chocolate treats. Yesterday, I had a lovely one at Street Level Espresso. Dark, rich, creamy and beautifully presented with a piece of chocolate on the side.

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Last post of February. Our little cat; she never fails to make us smile.

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Last one! Maybe until next year! Out early this morning for a lovely walk. Spring was in the air and the sky was blue. I stopped in at a Victoria icon, Murchie’s, for hot chocolate and a currant scone with jam and cream. Very lovely.

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We had a beautiful snow day yesterday. None settled downtown, but we walked for several hours with it fluttering around us. As we walked around the harbour, we saw these brave ones in their beautiful canoes:

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Every month is for art in my world, but this month is special. A while ago, we were given an opportunity to curate a show at Dales Gallery, right here in our neighbourhood. GJ and I have both shown our own work there, and love the owner and atmosphere. There was an opening for this month and we decided we would organize a show for our friend Michael Lewis. It’s been a real treat working with Michael and the gallery to make this show happen. Michael has had some great press (here and here) and we’re very happy that sales are going well. Here are a  few photos of the process and the show.

Hanging day: Michael and GJ deciding where each piece will be.

Hanging day: Michael and GJ deciding where each of the 24 pieces will be.

It all came together quite quickly; we were able to go for lunch by about 1 pm!

It all came together quite quickly; we were able to go for lunch by about 1 pm!

People begin to gather at the opening; a very cold evening, February 6, 2014

People begin to gather at the opening; a very cold evening, February 6, 2014

The gallery is so beautiful and showcases Michael's work really well.

The gallery is so beautiful and showcases Michael’s work really well.

Hanging out at Dales on one of the run's Saturdays; GJ and Michael exchanging puns.

Hanging out at Dales on one of the run’s Saturdays; GJ and Michael exchanging puns.

L to R, Kiss Me Deadly, Sands, and Politicians and Pirates, © Michael Lewis

L to R, Kiss Me Deadly, Sands, and Politicians and Pirates, © Michael Lewis

L to R, Lucy, Dryads, Definitely Not the Ripper, On the Rockas, and Beach Open, © Michael Lewis

L to R, Lucy, Dryads, Definitely Not the Ripper, On the Rocks, and Beach Open, © Michael Lewis

L to R, The Box and Dick Tracy, © Michael Lewis

L to R, The Box and Dick Tracy, © Michael Lewis

The hot chocolate search will continue, but I will be drawn back again and again to Chocolat, Chocolatiere de Victoria. It’s understandable that a chocolatiere would be the place to find exquisite hot chocolate, what’s not understandable is why I hadn’t tried it before yesterday! I have bought delicious chocolates there many times. It’s probably just too tempting a place to be; as we enjoyed our delicious beverages I was thinking about all the chocolates to try! There is some cozy seating in which to savour your hot chocolate (several varieties including Chili Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Chai) as well as coffees and lovely desserts.

On the left, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and right is a Dark Hot Chocolate without the whip.

On the left, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and right is a Dark Hot Chocolate without the whip.

Chocolat, 703 Fort Street, Victoria BC

Chocolat, 703 Fort Street, Victoria BC