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Burnett: Space filling up for gardening vacation

Fall colours phenomenon happens when the temperature gradually drops…yet doesn’t get to the freezing level.

This has been one of the most colourful fall seasons for the Okanagan in my recent memory.

This phenomenon happens when the temperature gradually drops through September and October yet doesn’t get to the freezing level.

It is well worth the time to take a drive around our beautiful valley, take pictures and enjoy this wonderful display.

The red oaks along Guisachan Road around the Balmoral subdivision are fabulous as are the autumn spire maples along the north end of Enterprise Way near Highway 97.

The ginkgo biloba in City Park are as yellow as the moon and the PG hydrangeas on Gordon Drive near the Dairy Queen have never looked nicer with their copper colour coming on strong.

Everywhere you look the fall colour is spectacular including our native species in the mountains.

How blessed we are to live in such a beautiful valley.

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I need to remind anyone who is interested in taking in the Chelsea Flower Show this coming May that there are only a few spaces left.

If you want to be on the plane with us to the UK, you need to book now.

This will be the trip of a lifetime for not only gardening enthusiasts but for anyone interested in seeing the sights and sounds of London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland.

The price of the ticket includes airfare, accommodation and several meals as well as entry into the Chelsea Show and several world class historical gardens.

It would be an honour to have you accompany me and my wife Donna on this special voyage.

Contact Gail Fritsen at Marlin Travel for more information: Email gail.fritsen@marlintravel.ca, call 250-768-6875 or toll free 1-800-800-2857.

For booking details and don’t wait because there is now a limited time to come aboard.

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I want to wish a very dear couple all the best as they celebrate a special anniversary this week.

Lyle and May Saby, of West Kelowna, were married 71 years ago.

Lyle was part owner of Ly-Al’s Shaver Shop located in downtown Kelowna in the 1960s.

While Lyle and Al fixed and sharpened shavers, the impact they had on the teenage boys and girls actually happened in the back room of the shop where the slot racing track was set up.

I spent hours and hours in that back room racing and building cars, and just hanging out as did many others of my era.

In those days, there were no smart phones, no Internet and only two channels to watch on television. So having a place like that for teenagers to gather was a special gift.

Thank you again Lyle and congratulations on your 71st wedding anniversary.

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Lately I have noticed a bit of forgetfulness on my part like most of us as we reach our mid-60s, but I did something I have never done before last Monday.

After arriving at a mountain lake to go fishing, I discovered I had forgotten by fly rod.

But I did have my reels, so I was able to cut a piece of red twigged dogwood, attach a reel with a zap strap and shoelace and create a serviceable trolling rod which got me through the day. I may be getting a little forgetful, but I still have some creative skills to get me out of a jam when I need them.