We have traded the ocean-side living of Vancouver, for the Big Skies and rolling prairies of Alberta, and boy have the skies not disappointed. I snatch these shots as I walked some laps around the park just outside my door and the aurora was from my back deck. Wow ... right. I was closing my drapes before hitting the figurative hay. Even through the glass panes, the northern lights were a show stopper. Needles to say, I stayed up a little bit later. The stars too here are amazing. I looked up one night to see the Milky Way hanging out like a party ribbon over my roof. It may be there in big city but light pollution shouts it out. In Vancouver, you can literally count the stars in the sky. Good luck doing that here. Well once the sun finally sets. In high summer, it is a bit of wait.

Wild life abounds in these parts. Black bears are as common as raccoons in Stanley Park. Thankfully, they aren't generally much bigger than a dog and maintain their distance. Lots of deer, foxes and elk too. It was lovely to drive around the back roads and nature spot while doing so. I wish I could have taken more pictures ... but two hands on the wheel and all.

Minime and I continued our homeschooling. At the moment, we are reading the Pumpkin Queen, which is a continuation of the Nightmare Before Christmas. We have decorated for Halloween and acquired a second cat, Asoka. She is a very beautiful and a slightly naughty black beauty. She is fitting in nicely.

We are looking forward to the festive season. Today we went for a nice long walk around town ... okay village ... and discovered a new trail. The sun was shining and the air crisp, but still with a smidgen of warmth left in the solar rays. Fall leaves are at their colorful zenith. I should get you some of those shots soon but for now, I need to draw those curtain I mention earlier and get some shut eye.

Much love, Hivelanders. Fingers crossed; I get on here tomorrow/

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