I don’t know the first thing about working with cows, but to me, they’re the gentlest souls. Those big brown eyes, fluttery lashes, and slow, calm movements just melt me. And the calves—somewhere between a cow and a giant puppy—are pure sweetness. Total innocence on four legs.

One recent discovery was Terry Fox Park, tucked not far from downtown. It’s a sweet series of gardens, and when we visited, the peonies were in full bloom—ruffled, delicate, and in shades I’d never seen before. Some were lush and full, others simple ‘single’ blooms with just one graceful ring of petals. Just beautiful.