THE GLORY OF AUTUMN ON QUADRA ISLAND

Homewood Bible Camp on Quadra Island was the postcard perfect location to celebrate my sister Elvera's 80th birthday. She was surrounded by almost all of her amazing tribe, her siblings and their spouses, in-laws and some nieces and nephews. It was a grand party honouring Elvera with laughter, stories, visiting, group games, delicious food and time to explore this idyllic setting in Herriot Bay BC.

Six siblings and their spouses.

Dan, Catherine, Trudy, Wally, Edie, Garry, John, Elvera, Bob, Marilyn, Ted, Sylvia

The birthday gal surrounded by her vivacious family
David, Steve, John Judy, Elvera, Barry, Ken

I think there were 6o + guests having a great time over the weekend.

My sweet niece Judy rowing in the bay.

She was the master party planner!

The hearty ones hiked to the bluff with views across to Campbell River.

Visiting on the wharf while others kayaked, rowed, fished and crabbed.

The old homestead dating back to the 194o's is nestled in stands of huge, old coniferous trees, is graced with the brilliance of a maple sapling and forgotten apples.

'Floating' rocks 

My sister Elvera is very dear to me as she obviously is to many, many others, and she was truly honoured at her BIG party. Elvera has a great sense of humour and I think this poem will remind her of her wonderful, whirlwind weekend of celebration in a setting of Autumn's glory.

OCTOBER'S PARTY

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came—

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,

The Oaks in crimson dressed;

The lovely Misses Maple

In scarlet looked their best;

All balanced to their partners,

And gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow

New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,

At hide-and-seek they played,

The party closed at sundown,

And everybody stayed.

Professor Wind played louder;

They flew along the ground;

And then the party ended

In jolly "hands around."

~George Cooper (1840–1927), "October's Party," c.1887