Monday 1 January 2018

Happy New Year ...



2018 has already arrived and probably moved on to 2nd January 2018 by the time this posts ... 

Reminding me of my mother's and our family roots -
West Cornwall artists


Canada time and I are still off-wave-lengths - I guess I'll settle in soon and adjust ... 








Straits of Georgia: from Vancouver Island looking
over to Mount Baker (over 3,000 m high) - it is volcanic
and is the USA


I'll be posting somewhat differently now I'm living here for a while ... 





Lots of inlets, views, sights etc to see and explore

... more short photographic ones I guess, but when I can get out and investigate they'll be more in-depth as I work out what's what ... 






To all of you a very wonderful 2018 ... with lots of happiness, creative ideas, joyful fun and then health, some wealth and always positiveness - we are lucky to be where we are ...




Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories


88 comments:

Anabel Marsh said...

Happy New Year, Hilary!

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,

Not quite January 2 as I type this. May your wavelengths soon be in tune with the Canadian time zone you are in.

Short, photographic posts will be fascinating especially considering, as you well know, that I'm so familiar with the location, eh.

A wonderful 2018 to you from some dude typing 8 hours ahead of you.

Take it easy, eh.

Gary

mail4rosey said...

I'm here to wish you a wonderful and happy new year!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! So true that we are lucky where we are. I need to work on being more grateful for that. Happy New Year!

Botanist said...

Happy New Year, Hilary. Hope you adjust to BC time soon. One thing I've had to get used to is we are always (pretty much) last for everything being so far west.

That pic of Mt Baker looks fabulous. It's hard to get those mountains to show up in a photo because they blend in with the sky. Looks like that must have been taken from somewhere on the Peninsula - maybe somewhere along Cordova Bay?

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Happy New Year, Hillary. I hope you will adjust to your new surroundings and grow to appreciate and love it.

Chatty Crone said...

Happy New Year to you. So you have moved to Canada for awhile? How did that come about? Love, sandie

Ann Bennett said...

Wishing you and everyone the best in 2018. It will be what it will be eh.

Joanne said...

Happy New Year. And now 2018 brings your Canadian adventures. Settle in and enjoy the ride.

Elephant's Child said...

A very, very Happy New Year to you. I am so looking forward to exploring Canada through your eyes. Photographically AND in more depth.

Unknown said...

Hello Hilary. Thank you for the good wishes and the same to you. I hope 2018 is a wonderful year for you in every way! Kim xx

Mike Goad said...

Happy New Year to you and all your readers, Hilary.

It is the 2nd, now, and you're probably warmer than us. It's 12°F (-11.1°C). It was 3°F colder yesterday morning and the high was 27°F (-2.8°C). Fortunately, this chill seems to be slowly ending over the next week.

I hope you have a great 2018 and beyond.

bazza said...

Happy New Year (again!). You have an embarrassment of riches surrounding you when it comes to posting photographs so we should be in for a treat. I think it's very motivational to change one's style (in any aspect).
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s picayune Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Computer Tutor said...

Happy New Year, Hilary. I have to get used to your new home. I'm looking forward to all your thoughts on it.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Anabel - you too ... looking forward to seeing more of your visits out and about ...

@ Gary - this time difference in the blogging world is quite interesting to try and correlate to ... good to see you here ..

@ Rosey - thank you so much for coming over ...

@ Natalie - all the best for this coming year ... we are lucky to be where we are - for all the troubles life encounters and throws at us - we are still in a better place than many ...

@ Ian - Yes I can see we'll be last for most internet linked things out here ... I'm sure I'll adjust in due time.

That Mt Baker pic is from Wiki ... but we were at Cherry Point when it was clear as a bell (or mountain!) over the water ... 'cept my phone was at home. So I guess your thoughts re Cordova Bay could well be right ... one day I'll get up to Cordova Bay to check it out!

@ Arlene - thanks so much ... it is a beautiful part of the world ...

@ Sandie - family request ... so the opportunity arose and I'm here ...

@ Ann - yes life will take us on its own course ... a happy and merry course ...

@ Joanne - I think you're right there: 'settle in' and enjoy the ride - I shall ...

@ EC - my views of Canada will be fairly local I think - but lots to see here ... I expect I'll muster up and satisfy other enquiring minds!

@ Kim - I hope 2018 will be a fun year, which I'm sure it will ...

@ Mike - thanks so much. Yes I'm sure I'm warmer than much of Canada and America ... but as you say warmer weather is returning ...

@ Bazza - yes I should be able to find lots of interesting sights with extra informatory snippets to add to the new mix in my life.

@ Jacqui - we both have to get used to my new home ... seems an amazing change to me - something not considered in the autumn ... embrace the change = which I think I'm doing ..

Thanks everyone - so lovely to see you and have your wishes for 2018 - which I wish for you all too ... cheers Hilary

Fil said...

Thanks for the good wishes Hilary and a very Happy New Year to you too. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Vancouver Island through your eyes. Fil

Inger said...

Sometimes this past year, I have wished I were in Canada! How long are you going to be there? Nature is so beautiful up there and, you are right, so much to explore. Happy New Year, my friend.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! With all the health issues we faced near the end of the year, I missed the move to Vancouver. What is that about? I love Victoria which was beautiful the summer I visited. Good luck in your new space!

Mary Montague Sikes

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

A new year for new adventures

Denise Covey said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! Whatever you choose to post, it's always interesting! I hope you settle into the Canadian way of life!

Liz A. said...

Happy New Year.

Lynda Dietz said...

Happy New Year to you, Hilary! I'm sure you'll be settled in just like a native soon.

Jz said...

Happy New Year, Miz Hilary!
I look forward to The Vancouver Report. :-)

Linda said...

Happy New Year Hilary! I'm sure you will settle right in before you know it. Canada is a beautiful place - at least what I've seen of it. I bet there is lots to post about, even if it is just your new day-to-day adventures and finding your way around. I hope you had a good Christmas and a very happy New Year.

I am looking forward to your adventures. You can always join us in the "20 Days of Chill" blogging challenge (link on my blog) if you need a distraction.

Blessings for 2018!

Deborah Weber said...

Happy New Year Hilary - wishing you a most wonderful year and looking forward to all of your posts, however you're inspired to offer them.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Fil - well you and Tom've got lots going on .. and I hope you'll see more of Vancouver Island via my eyes!

@ Inger - yes I gather the weather has been really hot down south and I know you love your cold - it might be 2 years duration we'll see. It looks the natural world is exquisite here ... lots of coves and inlets ... gentle exploring is in sight for me!

@ Monti - I do hope both your healths will hold up and improve this year ... at least you have a major new project - enjoy it. Thanks for your thoughts - yes I look forward to seeing Victoria and its surrounds ...

@ Jo-Anne - thank you ... certainly the time to start a new life as winter fades and Spring turns up ...

@ Denise - thank you so much ... just delighted my postings tend to inspire = and I'm sure life will settle down some time soon ...

@ Liz - thank you ...

@ Lynda - I suspect I'll feel more at home soon ...

@ Jz - ah good idea .. the Vancouver Island report ... a project for this new year ...

@ Linda - Canada looks to be stunning and I'm sure I'll see quite a lot of it ... learning about the country and area as the days go by. Thanks for your wishes for a good Christmas and New Year ... all well here ...

Also thanks for the offer of the blog challenge .. 20 days of Chill ... I think for now too many other things going on that need to be sorted out - sadly I don't need distractions ...

@ Deborah - thanks so much ... we'll have to see what comes around in my new world in the trees!

Cheers to you all and thanks so much for visiting - I'll try and write stimulating posts ... take care and all the best for 2018 - Hilary

D.G. Kaye said...

Happy New Year Hilary. So glad you're exploring and getting to know Canada a bit. I sure hope it's not as freezing on the west coast as the arctic freeze we're living in on the east coast. :)

dolorah said...

You'll settle in soon; it just takes time.

Happy New Year Hilary.

Ellie Garratt said...

Happy New Year Hilary. I'm sure you'll start to settle in soon. It's always hard moving home, especially to a different country. I'm really looking forward to your Canadian adventures!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Debby - thanks for your wishes ... it is cold here, but you're right - not nearly as bad as your side of the country.

@ Donna - yes I'm sure I'll recover my wits and settle down happily ...

@ Ellie - it is certainly a different type of move - at least they speak English (vaguely!) ... and I, Canadian (vaguely)!!

Thanks for your visits - happy new years ... cheers Hilary

Victoria Marie Lees said...

What a colorful and beautiful blogpost, Hilary. I can't wait to keep up with all your adventures and photos here on Vancouver Island. There's so much for you to discover. I wish you every blessing in 2018!

diedre Knight said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! May 2018 be the best year ever :-)

Sue Bursztynski said...

Happy New Year in your new home, Hilary! You’re braver than I am. I don’t think I can ever bring myself to move continents.

PJ said...

Happy New Year Hilary, hope it's a really great year for you. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Victoria - my creative writing spirit is off colour at the moment ... so needed to inject something bright into the post. There certainly is so much for me to discover ... I'll be out and about seeing places ...

@ Diedre - I could do with 2018 being really successful ... so look forward to your wishes!

@ Sue - having been born in the UK and living down in SA - I needed to be home ... now I can wander for these 2 years ... then get back to little old England for my latter years ...

@ Pam- thank you - I too hope it'll be fun and with lots of new things to look at and do ...

Take care one and all - all the best for 2018 = cheers Hilary

Keith's Ramblings said...

We are indeed lucky to be where we are whether it be Eastbourne, Canada or little old Bexhill, but it's important we remember those that do not share our good fortune. I wish you everything you wish for yourself in 2018 Hilary.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Happy 2018. I still haven't adjusted to the time change -- and mine was only three hours!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love photographic posts.
Best wishes for 2018

C.D. Gallant-King said...

Happy New Year!

I don't know what the weather's been like out on the West Coast, but it's been pretty ridiculous in the rest of the country. Hope you're enjoying the lovely Canadian climate!

Lynn said...

Happy New Year, Hilary!

Patsy said...

Happy New Year, Hilary!

I'm wishing you all the best for 2018.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I've been out of the loop for too long. I hope your adventure on Vancouver Island is spectacular. Hope you stay warm. Happy New Year, Hilary. May all your dreams come true.

Suzanne Furness said...

Happy New Year, Hilary.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Keith - yes we are lucky to be living with creature comforts ... and thanks for your thoughts ...

@ Holly - I'm all right with the time change til I need to do something relative to England ... then I need to be prepared to jump to it - or wait til the next day - usually my option.

@ Lynda - my photographic skills don't really match up ... but no doubt it'll be a bit of both ...

@ CD - we had 9" really early on - but yours overtook our 'nasty' weather ... nothing like you've got: I'm thankful to say ... I am looking forward to Spring!!

@ Lynn - many thanks ...

@ Patsy - you too ... let's hope 2018 is generous to us all ...

@ Joylene - you do move around a bit - but I'm not so far away now. Thankfully I'm relatively warm ... and yes - it'd be great if dreams did come true ...

@ Suzanne - thank you ...

Thanks everyone so good to see you all ... take care and all the best for 2018 - cheers Hilary

DMS said...

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2018. Looks like you are in a beautiful spot to welcome in the new year. Hope you are staying warm. Enjoy! :)
~Jess

Chrys Fey said...

I hope your 2018 is full of fun travel, good food, time with loved ones, and all the best the year can bring.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you for the well wishes, especially the creative ideas:) and right back at ya.

Stephen Tremp said...

Hilary, Happy New year and here's to a healthy and prosperous New year to you and yours!

Vest said...

Happy new year Hilary.
My solitary visit to Canada was memorable while in Halifax on a British warship Feb 1958,
Going ashore in a taxi, a large chunk of snow/ice? fell onto the roof of the Taxi Which lessened the head room considerably. The driver had ignored the warning "Do not stop or Queue Under the Bridge."

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It took a giant leap of faith to transplant yourself to a new country, but I have a tremendous amount of faith that you'll thrive there and make the most of the opportunity. From the photos I've seen of your new area, it's a gorgeous place to live. (I hope it doesn't get too COLD, though!)

Take care... and take a nap. You'll adjust in no time. Cheers!

Blogoratti said...

Have a wonderful new year and best wishes always!

Christine Rains said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! Hope you have a wonderful year.

P.S. I was eating mushy peas the other day because it's comforting in the dreary weather, and it made me think of your blog. Finally getting a chance to pop in and say hello. :)

Annalisa Crawford said...

It'll be exciting to follow your adventure! Happy New Year!

Lenny Lee said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my Grandblogmom! Bonne Année!

looking forward to sharing in your Canadian adventures in words and pictures.

...love and warm hugs

Yolanda Renée said...

Vancouver Island is such a beautiful place. Lots to explore and write about. I look forward to your posts.

Wishing you a blessed New Year. Happiness, health, prosperity, and love!

baili said...

thank you for wonderful posting throughout the year my friend!
wishing you a wonderful happy new year,may you and family be blessed with more peace and happiness amen

Paula said...

Happy New Year Hilary!

Maria said...

Hi Hilary, and a Happy New Year to you. I'm looking forward to your posts on Canada.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jess - now our snow has eased up it makes life easier - it will be beautiful ... snowdrops are coming up already ...

@ Chrys - yes it'll be local travel and with family ...

@ Sandra - oh yes creative ideas in January are much needed ...

@ Stephen - same to you and your family ...

@ Vest - well that story is quite eventful ... and perhaps a lesson to be learnt - I might remember that!

@ Susan - thanks so much ... yes it is being a bit of a giant leap of faith: hope things sort themselves out. But the opportunity and being around another part of the world will be a great learning curve and educationally so interesting ...

Thankfully we're on the warmer side of the continent I gather ... and it's surprising sheltered here ... though we did get the snow earlier on ...

@ Blogoratti - yes the same to you and everyone here ...

@ Christine - mushy peas ... forever Christine I shall remember this comment - but wonderful to see you here ...

@ Annalisa - I'm looking forward to seeing where my adventure takes me ...

@ Lenny = thanks so much for your wishes ... I can see I'll need to take up French with you around!

@ Renee - I'm looking forward to the coming of Spring and seeing what appears in the woodland and fields around here ... and yes there will be loads to write about ...

@ Truedessa - many thanks ...

@ Baili - lovely to see you here and thank you for the compliment ... and yes let us all be blessed for our future time ahead ...

@ Paula - thank you ...

@ Maria - all the best for the coming year to you too ...

Cheers and thank you so much for visiting - all the best for the coming year ... fun, laughter and peace - look after yourselves - Hilary

Jemi Fraser said...

Happy January & Happy New Year! Hope your year brings you lots of joy & happiness :)

Jean Davis said...

Happy New Year! I foresee many photographic adventures in your future. :)

Julie Flanders said...

Happy 2018 to you, Hilary! I look forward to learning about your new home once you get more settled and start exploring. I hope the new year is a great one for you.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Happy New Year 2018 to you, Hilary! Wishing you a quick and interesting settling in phase. Canada is a photographer's paradise - so much to explore and so picturesque! Looking forward to your posts this coming year as always.

Best always,
Nila.

Becca said...

I'm looking forward to seeing your upcoming photos! I love seeing different parts of the world :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jemi - thanks ... yes I'll totally agree to lots of joy and happiness in 2018 and always ...

@ Julie - good to see you ... and yes looks like I'll be getting out and about a bit and exploring the island ... and thanks for your wishes ...

@ Nila - it's taking time to adjust ... but it will be a brilliant part of the world to see and explore somewhat. Thanks so much for coming by ...

@ Becca - thank you ... I hope my photos match up - so you can enjoy this part of the world through my eyes ...

Cheers to you all from a wet west coast of British Columbia ... Hilary

RO said...

Happy Happy New Year! Looking forward to more stories and pics from Vancouver! Hugs...RO

Unknown said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! I shall look forward to the photographs!

cleemckenzie said...

Bring on the photographs! Yours are always so interesting or beautiful.

Tara Tyler said...

So you're in Canada, eh? How do you like it?
I hope to hear some in depth stories about the great northern lands!
I also enjoyed going back and reading your previous posts - always a treat to hear your yarns!

Thanks for your continued well wishes - hope 2018 is a wonderful continuation of your life's journey!

Tara Tyler Talks

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ RO - many thanks ... I'm not sure when I'm going to be getting to Vancouver ... but the Island you will see.

@ Damyanti - yes I hope I'll have some reasonable shots of Island places.

@ Lee - thanks so much ... I hope to entertain re photos - but they'll be amateurish ...

@ Tara - yes I'm up here ... at the moment still settling in. But I'll be round and about some of the northern lands and hopefully see quite a lot before I return to the little country!

So pleased you enjoyed the earlier posts - thanks ...

Cheers to you all - and if the sun would come out I'll be a happy bunny early in January 2018!! Take care - Hilary

Sandra Cox said...

It does take a while to acclimate doesn't it? But what an experience and adventure.
Hope your day has been pleasant and productive and that you are staying warm.
Cheers.

troutbirder said...

My wife and I living in Minnesota love Vancouver Island and visited it three times. It seemed very British to me compared to all the other Provinces. But then who am I to judge being an American...:)

Nick Wilford said...

I'm sure your new surroundings will offer plenty of inspiration. It'll be a great adventure. Happy 2018 and I look forward to reading more!

A Cuban In London said...

Wish you best of luck! :-) Can't wait to read your posts.

Greetings from London.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sandra ... life is challenging around here - but not really the move; however it will be an experience and an adventure ... we have sun today finally ... but the clouds are coming up!

@ Troutbirder - that's great you know and have seen a bit of this island country ... I have yet to get around much ... but the year is yet young. Doesn't seem that British to me ... surprisingly ...

@ Nick - it is a great adventure ... and 2018 and 2019 have much to offer ...

@ ACIL - thanks for your wishes ... it will be an interesting experience ...

Cheers to you all - and thanks for visiting - Hilary

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Hilary, in your wildest dreams as a child, did you ever see yourself in the year 2018? I did not. Happy New Year!!

Deborah Barker said...

Happy New Year Hilary! Ours started with bugs and colds but the days are growing longer and sales of my book were pretty good all things considered. Enjoy your time in Canada, however long it turns out to be! I look forward to reading more of your exploits as time goes by. Debbie XX

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Teresa - no you're right in my wildest dreams I didn't think I'd see 2000 let alone 2018 ... this is a year of reckoning.

@ Deborah - we haven't had bugs and flu here, but at the farm (over the road) they have - just glad we seemed to miss it!! Not sure how long I'll be here ... but max 2 years ...

Thanks for your visits and New Year wishes ... cheers Hilary

Murees Dupè said...

Happy 2018. I hope you have plenty more great adventures.

D.G. Hudson said...

Sorry I haven't been about Hilary, have caught a bout of bronchitis. It's taking the wind from my sails for sure. Still doing the care thing though.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Murees - thank you ... it'll be interesting to tour around a bit and visit places ...

@ DG - oh gosh I'm sure it's taken the wind from your sails - especially as you're still looking after your hubby - take care ..

Cheers to you both - and all the best for 2018 - Hilary

Sherry Ellis said...

You're in a beautiful area - although it's probably quite cold right now!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

You're in Canada? Wow - that must be an adjustment for you. Happy New Year! I hope it's a special time of discovery.

Crystal Collier said...

Welcome to North America! I can't do the cold that far north, but I tend to think this is the best landmass of all those available. ;) Best wishes as you settle in, and I hope there's an abundance of CHEESE!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sherry - it is beautiful up here when the sun shines! It's not as cold as further east ... I'm pleased to say ...

@ Susan - yes ... I jumped the pond for a while - and I certainly hope we can explore a bit ... I'm sure I will ...

@ Crystal - thank you for the welcome! Good to see you back ... I am looking forward to Spring warming ... but it'll be fascinating to see the seasons as the year moves along ...

Oddly enough I have been eating lots of Camembert ... so yes there is cheese around!

Thanks to you three ... good to see you all - here's to a lovely 2018 for us all - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jean - thanks for your wishes ... if I remember to take the iphone with me you will get some photos!! Cheers Hilary

Emily in Ecuador said...

I have heard such wonderful things about Vancouver but have not visited. Seattle is beautiful and I imagine Vancouver is similar but I think with fewer people. Looking forward to more photos of the area. Happy New Year, Hilary, I hope it is a wonderful one for you.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Emily - I have yet to visit Vancouver and I'm sure I'll get over at some stage. I'd like to visit Seattle, whether I can get there with visa restrictions (mine - personal ones) or not I won't know til nearer my departure date ... and yes let's all have excellent 2018 - cheers Hilary