I got invited to join someone on a trip to Victoria, BC in mid-Feb. According to the official city web site, Victoria is located in sub-Mediterranean zone, and enjoys some of the most moderate weather in all of Canada. Victoria boasts an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine yearly, and an eight month frost free season. Average annual rainfall is 26.2 inches (compared to over 50 inches in New York). The average monthly rainfall in winter is 5 cm (2 inches) and in the summer is less than 2.5 cm (1 inch).

Victoria has a very low humidity ratio, and almost constant offshore breezes which keep summer days from becoming too hot, yet summer evenings can cool off; therefore a sweater or a light jacket is recommended. Although winters are mild and rarely include snow, warmer clothing is recommended between the months of November and March.

Starting Feb. 24th or thereabouts, Victoria has an official count of blooms. Blooms in Feb.? (Over 21 billion counted last year.) I have to look in my photo archives to enjoy blooms.

Then there’s the museums, the shops, the book store, the inner harbor with sunshine, people, activities and cherry trees in blossom. 

I really need to go and get some better pictures taken with a digital camera.

However, deadlines and people needing care make it impossible for me to go at this time. So I’ve decided to bloom where I’m planted by enjoying the good things of my life. I can go to a quilt store and see color in the swatches of fabric. I can go to the library and enjoy the books. I can walk when the weather allows and dream of spring.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else.” So I’m looking for what I’ve gained by enduring the rest of winter without a break.