We’ve been watching a space very near our front door transform for the last couple months. They opened yesterday and today we went. Jam Cafe on Herald Street serves breakfast all day; we were not disappointed! The menu had nice variety and some interesting dishes. I had their Huevos Rancheros, which was very good; bright fresh flavours. It consisted of a fried corn tortilla piled with black beans and sour cream or cream fraiche, then another tortilla, two perfect basted eggs with a very lovely fresh cut guacamole and delicious green salsa. It was served with chorizo sausage (which I gave to GJ) and corn cakes, which was two slice of a yummy corn bread that had been grilled. GJ tried the Charlie Bowl, I think it was called, which was a big bowl full of yumminess: crumbled biscuit, hash browned potatoes, gravy and eggs and some other perfectly placed ingredients. The decor was lovely and inviting. We will definitely be back to sample more.

Jam Cafe, breakfast all day. open 8 am to 4 pm in the 500 block of Herald Street, Old Town, Victoria BC.

Sweet decor: very inviting; not overdone; nice attention to detail.

More decor.

As usual, I excitedly dove into my meal before I remembered to take a pic! The presentation was very nice.

Charlie Bowl, with addition of my sausage.

Our walking outings have been providing a lot of bird sitings lately. On April 1, I reported that we saw what I thought was a flock of American Goldfinch. Further research in the bird book revealed that they were more likely Evening Grosbeak. I wish we had been able to get close enough to them to take some pictures. At the waterfront last week we saw two Hummingbirds and a pretty little brown bird I cannot identify. He was sparrow-sized, maybe slightly larger, quite evenly brown with a slightly crested head; very pretty. The coolest sighting lately were the two Black Oystercatchers in the picture below. We were very close to them and they weren’t bothered at all. Ah nature, even in the city it abounds.

Black Oystercatchers in the Inner Harbour, Victoria BC. Very distinctive red beaks.

Another gorgeous spring weekend. Our friend Brad Pasutti was having an opening of his new work at Winchester Gallery in Oak Bay, so we hopped on the bus. Amazing paintings and a well-attended opening with red dots! After a while, it was time for coffee, but the delicious bakery (Ottavio) next door to the gallery was packed. So off we trundled into the depths of Oak Bay searching for sustenance. Luckily, not too far along, we found Demitasse Bakery Store on McNeill Avenue. Great little bakery-shop-deli-garden centre where we had a yummy snack. Then we wound our way through the side streets until we reached Beach Drive. Crossing into Fairfield we walked through the beautiful and peaceful Ross Bay Cemetery and then along the water, through the park and home. Wonderful delightful day!

Winchester Galleries Oak Bay location showing the work of Brad Pasutti until April 28; 2260 Oak Bay Avenue.

 

The Demitasse Bakery Store at 2164 McNeill Avenue, Oak Bay.

Plants to purchase at Demitasse.

Sweet little gate plaque in Oak Bay.

Hard to see in the pic, but the pink snow has begun. Delicate pink petals dance in the air and gather along the curbs. Another good wind will bring them all down.

Kite surfers and others enjoying the beach just west of Clover Point.

The camas are just beginning to bloom at Beacon Hill Park.

Rhododendron season! These are at Beacon Hill Park.

These adorables reside at a quaint shop in Chinatown, Victoria BC.

Brother and sister. Cole, on the left, is enormous; the photo doesn't give a true depiction of just how big he is!

Another gorgeous spring day yesterday. Caught a few shots of floral beauty near and around City Hall.

The long planter on the Pandora Avenue side of City Hall, full of colour!

Gorgeous magnolia in full bloom at City Hall.

Round two of the cherry pinks; in front of the McPherson Playhouse, Victoria BC.

Pretty kitty in the window.

Wishing you joy and chocolate from the bunny.

Gorgeous spring day (!) so we walked over to Fairfield and the first Moss Street Market of the new season. They are holding only half markets for April, so it was just the farmers today, but still very abundant: produce, seeds, plants and preserves. What a treat to have this market on Saturdays, the Downtown Public Market on wednesdays and a new health food store, Ingredients, just a block from our home! Food bliss.

Our friend Rebecca grows wonderful organic vegetables...

...and makes delicious jams, chutneys, pickles, salsas and sauces!

Bit of lack of inspiration for blogging this week. But the little kitty provided some cuteness the last few days in the form of stretching out for sunlit naps. Here is the evidence:

Lounging on her chair, one foot dangling, the other on the foot stool; but then...

... a stretch and a roll over and feet are dangling the other direction.

Little front paws curled in slumber.

Toes!

After months of talking about it, planning it, worrying about it, fussing about it, and on and on… I have reopened my Etsy shop! Here are the first two items you’ll find there. More to be added over the weekend. Phew!

Needle-felted wool and organza ribbon hair clip

Needle-felted hair comb