2009 POTD

Perspective...look for the details

2009-08-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when things get too overwhelming, I prefer to look for the details. Life is taken easier in small bites at times.

Almost lost Rick this time. Ironically, it would've been one year and one day from his original surgery. Fortunately, we made it to the ER in time, and everyone was on their game. He bounced back fast, and was out of the hospital in 3 days--in on Thurs, out on Sun, and only one day intubated in CCU. HOPEFULLY we won't need to do this again, but we have another redefinition of our life, unfortunately, and more things to watch and watch out for. Blast. But, at least he is here and we can doing the watching together.

Shapes: Sasquatch maybe??

2009-08-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Gotta wonder at the sense of humor of the auto designers. This is the design on the rear bumper of Rick's car, where you would step to get in and out of the back end. Kind of reminds me of 2-toed aliens, or could that be a really small Sasquatch print?

Shapes

2009-08-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

My DD and SiL are coming next week and bringing my 3 grands, and as I was getting ready for them, I saw SHAPES! Next week is going to be incredibly hectic (a 5 1/2 yr old, an almost 3 yr old, and a 20 month old) but just having family around is going to be so much fun and so good for Rick's mental health! Mine, too! Nothing like little girl hugs and kisses and giggles to get you feeling your best.

Late Season Lilies

2009-08-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Out at the nursery this weekend and the waterlilies are still blooming--I love the late season blooms, but hate the bugs that congregate on the blossoms and the leaves. I could drive myself nuts with the clone tool, and so just decided to skip it.

Appropriate Signage

2009-08-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

I laughed out loud when I saw this street sign at the hospital yesterday....could it get any more appropriate? I wonder how many people see the sign and never even notice it? I LOVE stuff like this!

Hosta Abstracts

2009-08-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Got caught up in the curves and swirls in the hosta leaves...thinking a little abstractedly today.

...and a little on edge, too

Wildflowers

2009-08-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this make you think of "Little House on the Prairie"?

Z is for Zinnia

2009-08-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

I LOVE zinnias. To me, they are the crayons of the flower world--so many bright and vibrant shades, endlessly cheerful. I just wish they came in blue!!

C is for Color

2009-08-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lavender and chartreuse---what a serendipitous combination! And all because the hydrangea head dipped down onto the hosta planted below...
This bucket of Stargazer lilies at the Farmers' Market was just too glorious to pass up. Breathe deeply---can you smell them?

Sunny blooms

2009-08-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

"I don't think there's anything on this planet that more trumpets life than the sunflower....Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that's such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life." Helen Mirren The Calendar Girls

Ok, so technically they aren't all sunflowers, but they are still all that vibrant cheery exultant yellow that tickles your soul and makes you want to stand up and shout. I mean, who could possibly be down looking at that color?

A-door-able

2009-08-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

I know I've been reading too many threads about photo shoot locations and backgrounds when I saw this wonderfully funky freestanding door standing all by itself as an art piece and my first thought is what a cool background it would be for a senior shot, and I don't even DO people!!!!

Just a little detail I couldn't pass up....

Landscapes, and a little something for Angela

2009-08-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Took a quick run out to Rattlesnake Lake last evening to check things out. The lake isn't nearly as low as I'd expected, so the water levels are being managed pretty carefully. Can't wait until fall and the deciduous trees along the shore put on their yellow finery.
Of course, by then these boulders and rocks will be under water! There was just something about the arrangement of sizes and tones of greys that caught my eye.

Angela, this is for you! There was a loud THUD at the window this morning, with a puff of feathers floating down the air, and this is what I found below the window. Yes, it is Waxwing Season. The hordes have invaded, and this one-year old hasn't learned about windows yet. Now he has--the hard way. He sat in the hose for a couple of hours, shaking off the world's biggest headache, then joined his cohorts in the berry feast. (Doesn't he look like he is thinking "Man, I really could use an Excedrin about now!") I thought of you though, when I recognized the window vicitim as a Cedar Waxwing. ;-)

Down to Rock Bottom

2009-08-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

A shot taken yesterday downstream from Snoqualmie Falls of the old power plant. The river is EXTREMELY low this year, and there are kayakers, rafters, and floaters galore in the river, and people walking along the banks of the river. The base of the power plant, which is discolored and has the vertical openings, is usually at least partially underwater, if not completely. Like I said, the river is REALLY, REALLY low right now. That will change as soon as the fall rains start.

Click to see a kayaker down at the bottom of the photo...

better bee-lieve it!

2009-08-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

looks like he's wearing leg warmers, doesn't he?

Lit from behind

2009-08-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Late afternoon sun makes everything look so different and so interesting....

Yesterday's close-up was the back-up light on a car. Suzy was close with her guess of a bike reflector!

Closing in...

2009-08-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

One last close look...
Last night's were a broom and the view from the end of a ball of string. Congrats to Nicki who nailed them both!!

Extremely close...

2009-07-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

Can you guess?

Last night's was the tread on the sole of a shoe.

Up Close

2009-07-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hosta Blooms

2009-07-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

A little more Art Show

2009-07-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is my idea of Fair Food--- Shish-ka-berries, one of the favorite art show treats. Fresh strawberries, dipped in chocolate, topped with nuts, or sprinkles, or swirls, or whipped cream...you name it. They're delicious, and the berries are huge and juicy. That stick is about 12" tall.

One of the exhibitors in the juried area at the art show is a glass artist, and has baskets full of glass balls. I love all the different color variations and patterns that he gets in the balls. I'd love to have a few of them floating in my pond.

Public Art; or Don't Make Fun of Sidewalk Chalk

2009-07-25T14:44:00.001-07:00

Every year during SeaFair there is a wonderful Art Show in Bellevue. There is a huge juried portion full of exquisite paintings, photos, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork, textiles, leatherwork, etc.; another section "one step down" of very good artists; and then a kitschy little street fair that is more of a craft fair than an art show. Um, yeah.

I look forward to this guy every year. He sets up in front of the Art museum, and reproduces a famous painting. This year his choice was "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat (also known as the painting done with all the tiny little dots--ie pointillism). He has a picture of the painting in a vinyl sleeve on the ground near him, and has sketched out the painting on the sidewalk in white chalk. He then spends his time "coloring in" everything, using his fingertips for shading, and wearing knees pads to protect his knees. The street alongside the Art Museum is closed off and set up for kids to "chalk it up"; it is so much fun to watch the little kids watch him, and then run and grab some chalk and get to work. I so wanted to get some photos of the kids, but didn't want to look like a weirdo stalker woman, and get beat up by protective parents.

So, if your kids like to doodle with sidewalk chalk, don't discourage them!! Look what it could turn into!!

Garden pests--disguising themselves as yard ornaments...

2009-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just one of the plethora of rabbits that have over-run the yard this year. There is one cute little furry varmint who insists on hiding out under one of my daylilies. I'm ok with that as long as he doesn't nibble on his hideaway. Hoping the coyote population picks up again next year, though.
However! This little lady had the gall to settle herself on one of my berms as if she is a yard ornament. I carefully took a photo through the window, and then went out on the deck to scare her away. I shooed. I yelled. I hollered. I waved my arms, jumped around, stomped my feet. She blinked her eyes. If deer could roll their eyes, I'm sure she would have done that. (If I had knows she was that blase about humans, I would've taken her photo from the yard, not from inside the house!) Then I resorted to the last measure...the air rifle. Me and the trusty BB gun. Only took me about 6 shots to finally land one on her flank. She was so nervous and worried about it she didn't move during the entire time--until I finally landed the Lucky Shot. She hasn't been back since, and my hosta and daylilies and the rest of my garden don't miss her at all!!!

Water

2009-07-17T11:55:00.001-07:00

R was feeling well enough yesterday that we went for a drive--over past the mill pond to see what we could discover. I was surprised to find some reflections; it has been so windy that I was certain that the pond would be too ruffled, but I lucked out. Even with the late summer pond growth starting to cover the surface there is still a decent reflection. R was so glad to get out of the house for something other than an appointment. The little excursion was good for both of us.

My favorite little waterfall-let--even this time of year it cascades nicely. There is just something so soothing about smooth water.

Water: Daisy Drops

2009-07-16T15:19:00.001-07:00

I have this wonderful variety of Shasta daisy in my garden; it always looks like it has gone through a paper shredder. The petals are curved and curled and never lie very flat, and each bloom is completely different from the next. The bigger the flower, the more riotous the petals. When the clump is in bloom it looks like a really bad hair day!
But, all those curled, curved thin petals catch water drops really nicely......

Water: Lilies

2009-07-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd switch from drops...I need a little variety. These are from my friendly little local nursery from the 4th of July. The water lilies in their pond are starting to bloom, and depending on where I was standing, the water reflected the gorgeous blue sky that day or the trees nearby. (Disclaimer: these were with my P&S--I know I have some blow-outs)

Water: Stringing Along

2009-07-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

I don't have much chance to get out and take water shots this week since I am still on nurse duty with R, so I am making do (dew, sorry about that) with what I can find in the yard. The webs have been a good source of inspiration to me. Don't you love the way these droplets look like they have been threaded on the fine filaments of the web?
And this is so abstract and surreal it looks like some kind of painting of the universe from the 60's--not that many of you are old enough to remember that time.... Far out, dude!!

Water: Lady's Mantle

2009-07-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

The Lady's Mantle that grows (prolifically) in my garden is an unassuming plant, with a unprepossessing flower. The leaves are rounded, and pleated, and nothing fancy....until it rains, or it has been dewy, or the sprinkler has gone off. Then the serrated edges of the leaves, and the short hairs on the surface, capture the water drops and turn them into beaded embellishments. Sheer magic!!!

A few final faces...

2009-07-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

I love this rock! All the holes in in are naturally occuring; it was found on the beach on the Oregon coast.

Do you ever feel like someone is listening in on your phone conversations?......

Low tide last year at the ocean. These are clam holes; if you look on the lower "mouth" hole, you can see the rim. It's really fun to poke the holes with sticks and get them to squirt. That is, if you aren't clamming!
Ugh---from behind my DD's washer in her old apartment. She obviously didn't get behind it to clean very often. To be fair, she was VERY pregnant and there was no room to maneuver.

This is what I what pictured when Sharon posted her "Motor Mouth"...

More Faces...

2009-07-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

(Don't you love his topknot?? It is a tree in the background. This is an old logging stump...the eyes are the foot rests the loggers cut to stand in. The top of the stump is probably about 6 1/2' high. It is under water during the fall, winter, and early spring when the lake is high--there is a whole forest of these...)

Faces

2009-07-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Some faces from strange places. If I were going to be snarky, I would put a picture up of Rick in his chair at home. Since my last post he went back into the hospital, ended up having another "small" operation and was there for 8 days. We've been back home now a week, but I am pretty busy while he's awake, and when he's asleep I'm almost too tired to do anything. I'll be glad when he is stronger and feeling better!! Soon! Please!!

Couldn't resist this one from an IV bag of Rick's....

2009-06-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Took these earlier last week when we had a little bit of heavy dew and a gleam of sun. Rick and I spent the weekend in the hospital --an unexpected "tuneup" for him (as opposed to the scheduled hospital stays) so I was pretty busy, and still am even though he is back home. ONE of these days he will be better!!!! Not complaining though. He was home for Father's Day, and he is TONS better than he was even a couple of months ago. Some days, though, the two steps forward and one step back can get a little discouraging.
I love the way you can see the hosta variegation in that large drop. It reminds me of a shooter marble. Does anyone even play marbles anymore??

Bzzzzzz

2009-06-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

This guy was busy mining the scabiosa in the garden. It was a little breezy, which is why I think he was hanging on for dear life! This one was at the nursery. I loved the way the wings became almost irridescent in the sunlight. Too back he had his back turned--but then, I wouldn't've seen those cool wings!!

Blues and Yellows

2009-06-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Made a flying stop at the nursery the other day, and this Japanese iris was sobbing to go home with me....and I really, really wanted to take it home, too, but I knew that it had a life expectancy of maybe a week before the deer or elk found it. I refuse to plant a buffet. So, I consoled myself with photos. The colors, the sensuous curves,...oh, man, I WANT THIS!!!
These osteospermum caught the light just right--all that yellow just soaked up the sun and sent it right back. :-)

A little macro

2009-06-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day, so I am recycling my Macro Monday shot... Thanks for all the upbeat interpretations on the robin's egg the other night. My glass was half-empty that night, obviously! Your optimism really helped brighten my outlook.

No one's home...

2009-06-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I think it's because the crows got to the nest, rather than the eggs hatching... Just couldn't resist that luscious blue against the moss, though.

Astrantia

2009-06-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

I bought this last year at the botanic garden--this variety, and a pink variety, which isn't quite blooming yet. I love the white variety, and the way that the new petals have the distinct green veining in them. The new plant has settled in nicely, and has been sending out lots of little colonists, so I can see why the botanic garden was so willing to sell off fairly good sized plants! :-D

Same shot, just a different crop. I couldn't decide whether I prefered it vertically or horizontally. I think I am leaning toward vertical since it seems to accentuate the veining in the petals. What do you think?

Foxy gloves

2009-06-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

The wild foxgloves are starting to bloom. They look so pretty in the shady borders up against the edges of the woods. I love it that the pestiferous wildlife leave these alone. We have more rabbits this year than I have ever seen before--where are all the coyotes when you need them? As a result of the bunny infestation (yes, they are cute, but death --literally-- on my plants) my dahlias are struggling. It's hard enough with 4" slugs and random deer and elk browsing their way through--I don't need a furry flood of Elmer Fudd's nemesis!

Zoo-be-doo-be-doo

2009-06-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

I love this guy. I could watch him all day. I know he has an official name, but I call him My Sweet Baboo. I was crouched down, shooting through glass, and he was watching me as much as I was watching him. All of a sudden, up curves one side of his mouth in this lovely lop-sided smile. I know, I'm anthropomorphizing, but gosh, doesn't it look like he's giving us a grin? Kinda the "Sheesh, enough with the cameras already!" Shortly after this he pulled his Woobie (the burlap sack on his back) over his head, rolled over on his side, and was out like a light.

The eagles have a large enclosure--big enough to have lots of room to fly around in. I just wish I could get a shot without that nasty fence showing, and I am too lazy to Photoshop it out.

The zoo has a new flamingo exhibit that is nice. Not San Diego nice, but 24-flamingoes-nice. I like the flamingoes for the sinuosity (is that a word) and the colors and the patterns that occur when they are in groups.

And speaking of sinuous necks....

And just to show I can be on theme, a little backlighting...

and these thorns--holy smokes! You wouldn't want to bump into those! I thought it was pretty neat the way the sun was backlighting these, too. You can take the macro lens off the camera, but you can't take the macro eye out of the photographer. (Eeuuwww--nasty mental picture there!!)

Bear with me

2009-06-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

I love bears. They scare me spitless, and the only way I can stand to see them is if I am separated by a secure barrier. They are powerful and magnificent, and their shambling pace is deceptive; there is so much power and speed disguised in that slow amble. How'd you like to come face to face with this on the trail? YIKES!!!!!

This guy was behind glass, cooling off in the pool area...

He did get a little bit closer---dang the reflection on the glass. There were 2 toddler-size kids standing nearby, and his head was almost as big as their bodies! Sure wouldn't want to meet him when I was out hiking!! (Ok, it could be a her, but frankly either way I'm terrified)

"Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo."

2009-06-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

"I do believe it. I do believe it's true!"

ML and I went over to the zoo today...the weather cooperated and was 30 degrees cooler than yesterday, plus pleasantly overcast. Perfect.

Spectacled owl--one of my favorites
I think this is his glamour pose

Peregrine Falcon--even holding still, it looks fast

WARNING: Whine ahead: Although the weather was perfect, not so perfect were the 12 (we counted) bus loads of extremely overactive and noisy school kids. I did make a large mental note to NEVER come to the zoo again this close to the end of the school year, when all the teachers want to do is get those kids out of the classroom and on someone else's nerves... It made what should have been a pleasant outing into an endurance test, exacerbated by my still unsteady legs and shooting skills. (another note to self--you are probably going to need a monopod...) It's not that I don't like kids, I just don't like Kids Running Wild...at Full Volume

But, kids aside, it was a great day--I got some good shots, the weather was perfect, and ML and I were on the same energy level, wearing out at just about the same instant.

So, you will probably be seeing some zoo shots for the next few days. I guess it is my retro post for Animals week... LOL!!

Sea life on land

2009-06-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

I love the way the centers of clematis look like anemones. I usually stay away from square crops, but it worked for this one...

Be-dewed

2009-06-03T16:49:00.001-07:00

It is 92 at 5 pm--unheard of for Seattle, ESPECIALLY in June! June means temps in the (maybe) 60s and lots of rain. Anyway, in view of the warm weather, I thought this shot from a week ago looked pretty refreshing...

Summer is here!

2009-06-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

The sure-fire sign that summer is here--the rental kayaks and paddleboats are out at the State park. Of course, 85 degrees makes them look pretty tempting...
As I was looking at the kayaks, a bald eagle soared overhead and landed in the trees on the point behind the kayaks. My trusty P&S just barely had enough muscle--this is a little pixelated, but below the eagle is a juvenile--the brownish blotchy lump behind the trees. He took off shortly after I took this shot. Too young yet to have the white head and tail, but impressive in size nonetheless.

Unfurling

2009-06-01T15:28:00.001-07:00

This is a deer fern, and it has both male and female fronds. This is one of the male fronds. The female fronds come later, and are fuller and more lush. It looks like 2 entirely different ferns melded together. I love the detail, though, on these, and the way the centers are so tightly spiraled.

Back to basics

2009-05-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ah, back in the swing of things--using the P&S, but still able to do some macros. I have MISSED this!!

And, since it is Animals week, here is a broad interpretation with a not-so-welcome garden visitor. I prefer to find the empty shells!! I don't mind the snails; I do mind that they chew up my plants. They are, after all, slugs in drag...

Just what I needed

2009-05-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." John Burroughs

Yesterday R and I went out to Rattlesnake Lake to get a little fresh air, a little peace and quiet, and time to relax and unwind. I managed to get part-way along the lake path--took me forever, and wore me out, but soooooo worth the effort. Just to see the jade green water and to hear the water lapping against the rocks on the shore, to see and hear the osprey wheeling overhead---balm to the soul.
The lake is low enough that all the stumps from the former forest are above water level. It is so much fun to get inside the roots and look through the "windows".

Don't you think every kayaker needs a partner like this???

Blues

2009-05-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Oooh! Jackpot while strolling through the nursery... This is a Himalayan poppy. They bloom only briefly, but have the most incredible sky blue blossoms.

My columbine is finally blooming. I love this variety--it reminds me of crinoline petticoats peeking out from beneath a fancy dress.
I have discovered that until I am all better (ie stronger) I am going to have to use my tripod for just about everything. Of the shots I took at the nursery today, I had to delete at least 3/4 of them because I am still too shaky for the big gun...patience is a bear! So either tripod or P&S, and I can shoot.

Oops!

2009-05-27T15:22:00.001-07:00

My animal of the day.... This little squirrel somehow got onto our roof--since we have no trees close enough to the house for him to jump from, I am still at a loss how he managed it. He was really worried about getting down. Kept judging the distance from the gutter to the Japanese maple (about 20' to a strong branch) and chattering up a storm. I finally gave up and left him to his predicament. At least he wasn't in the bird feeder!

Perspective...

2009-05-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

"...I don't see why I am always asking for private, individual, selfish miracles when every year there are miracles like white dogwood." Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The wild dogwood are blooming in the woods behind our house. It felt so wonderful to be able to get outside and see the blue sky and feel the fresh air. Using my Sony P&S until I can hold the big gun without shaking...just glad to be able to shoot!!

Marshmallow Sky

2009-04-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Love it when we get the huge puffy rain clouds, and the sun hitting these was icing on the cake. There was so much shading dimension in these; it was amazing.

Sightings

2009-04-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

This is Lewisia--it's a really cool succulent plant that grows in rock gardens. The name comes from Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, who discovered it.

Couldn't resist the center of this tulip playing peek-a-boo through the drooping petals. It's a little blown-out, but such is life...

And--this is just a snapshot, but what a shot! An outdoor sighting of R, dressed in outdoor clothes, ready for a walk with Roma the Amazing. He is doing so much better. It makes my heart happy to see him back in his jeans--for a while there he was too thin to keep them on.

Spring Showers

2009-04-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Lauren (michym) might have had glorious spring yesterday, but 35 miles from her, up against the mountains, we had rain. Light rain, heavy rain, sprinkles, mist, downpours...you name it, it fell. Just about suppertime it dried up enough for me to go out and do some drops--the upside to all that rain!!
I love the way the new leaf is encased in the water droplet! Plus, a little reflected color on the bottom of the drop...

Motion

2009-04-17T14:06:00.001-07:00

R and I stopped by a park yesterday to enjoy the sun, and I caught this little girl through the car windshield. She was doing her little I'm-so-glad-the-sun-is-out dance. I couldn't resist. She was so much fun to watch. Quality isn't the best--using my P&S, and through the windshield (glare)--those are my excuses/rationalizations... ;-)

layers

2009-04-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

A couple more ranunculi...

I loved this vivid red-orange against the slate blue pots in the background. Such a nice contrast!

Crazy day...

2009-04-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a crazy day with the weather. I woke up to this.....

By suppertime, a lot of the snow had melted, and we had deep fog. I love the way the forest looks with the fog lying in amongst the trees.

A shift in position, a shift in the light, and things get murkier and more mysterious.

And then, the most GORGEOUS sunset! Because we live in a mountain valley, we miss most of the great sunsets, unless conditions are just right. Last night they were. The fog intensified the colors and made everything glow. This is really the color it was; I wish the pearl-like quality of the light came across. So, even though the day began with a whammy, Mother Nature had a pleasant surprise at the end of the day.

You MUST be kidding!!!

2009-04-14T14:28:00.001-07:00

It's the middle of April, right? Why was THIS outside my window this morning??? I mean, come on, I've enjoyed our snowy winter, but you have to draw a line somewhere, and the calendar says it's April. April in the Pacific NW means rain, rain, and more rain (well, ok, we got 2" at our house on Sunday...) I am SO over the snow!! COME ON SPRING!!!! Actually, the snow should be gone by tomorrow...just one of those nasty surprises this morning.

Ruffles

2009-04-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I stopped by our little local nursery (one of my favorite photo trolling spots) the other day to see what was in stock and if anything was blooming. As I went into the main greenhouse, one of the guys who works there saw me and said, "Oh! It must be photography season!" (blush) He then proceeded to show me what was in bloom and tell me what was coming...I love a small town for just that reason; there's just that personal connection.

The ranunculi (would that be the plural of ranunculus?) were pretty much past their prime. But, I really like this blowsy, full open stage. They look like heavily ruffled skirts and petticoats. This red/yellow variety was really gorgeous.

And this is a Star magnolia--I just love the delicate shredded petals. It blooms earlier than the standard magnolias around here.

Mmmm--can't you just smell Spring??

2009-04-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Go ahead--take a deep breath---ahhhhh. The scent of Spring!!

Easter houses

2009-04-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

This row of Easter-egg colored homes stood out on a grey cloudy day. Certainly made for a springtime looking street!!

Spring trees

2009-04-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

A little closer on the ornamental cherry and plum trees that are blooming now.

On the tip

2009-04-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Our rain is returning; this morning everything was coated with a nice light layer of moisture.
This isn't grass--it's one of my daylilies.

Illuminated Bark

2009-04-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

The bark on our birch trees is peeling, and I noticed the sun shining through this section. It looks like stained glass.

Spring is popping

2009-04-07T16:31:00.001-07:00

It was 72 today!!! The ornamental cherry trees by the old depot are making the most of this spell of unseasonably warm weather; you can almost hear them popping open as you stand by the trees. The city painted the depot last year and changed it from white to this deep red/burgundy, which I think works much better with the blooms.

But the blossoms will have to make the most of this weather. The long range forecast is talking about rain and s**w above 500' (that would be our place) on Monday. I am hoping that the forecast is wrong! I have had enough of winter. It would be too cruel to give us 3-4 days of 70 degrees and sun and then send s**w again.

Garden weather!

2009-04-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true--the bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle...we have had two consecutive days of sun!! And another one tomorrow, followed by days of rain. But now it is almost 68 degrees and the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and I have been out in the yard clearing the winter coat of moss off my gardens and doing some clean-up. I have to make haste, because once the rain starts and the temps drop back into the 40s who wants to be out in the yard??? This is my neighbor's corkscrew weeping willow. I love the yellow willow-green in the early spring, and seeing against that blue sky makes my heart sing. Haven't touched the color, other than sharpening for the web.
I love these little treasures. This is a hydrangea petal skeleton. Imagine this a lovely shade of hydrangea blue; now you know what underlies all that color!

I usually find several of these as I clean up around my hydrangeas, but I have to be careful because they are really delicate. They really remind me of some sea fan coral.

A penny saved....

2009-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Years (and years) ago I started the habit of taking any spare change in R's pockets at the end of the day, and putting it aside. Once a year, just before Christmas, I cash in the coins. It is amazing what pennies and nickels and dimes add up to, and we all know about quarters. I usually end up with a couple hundred dollars for Christmas shopping, money that would've been frittered away. It has been a great way to save money!

Warms the Heart

2009-04-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

It.is.raining. It.is.snowing. I.want.spring. I.want.color. ...So, a nice bouquet of tulips, and I can pretend.

Frosted

2009-04-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Spring may be on the way, but winter refuses to go out quietly. A little frost the other morning...

Doin' the Dew

2009-03-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's about the texture

2009-03-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

The leaves and veining on this tropical plant were neat. BUT, in B&W They look like valleys and ridges and rivers...

I am so ready for...

2009-03-28T10:02:00.001-07:00

...spring, sun, warmth, color....

Thank goodness for nurseries and Home Depot!

It just keeps on hangin' on...

2009-03-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Woke up Wednesday morning to 5" of snow on the ground; it's all gone now, but this was the new snow yesterday morning on the mountain behind us. The mountain has a curve that seems to trap the snow in a certain area; you can see a diagonal tree line on the left where the snow didn't stick. It just depends on the air flow around that part of the mountain. This is the view from my bathroom window...I am so lucky!!
A close-up of the top of the peak. People climb to the top of this...sometimes not too successfully.

A wider view of the "wart", as I call it.

And THIS! This is the demented robin, who for the THIRD (yes THIRD) year in a row is back, fighting with the bird in the front door kickplate (which is now covered with paper). So, he throws himself against the front window, sitting on the porch railing in between flings. I've strung fishing line across the railing, which keeps him off of there, but he just rests on the porch before flying up to the window. Needless to say, my windows are filthy, as is the porch. He also goes after 4 other windows on other sides of the house.

His days are numbered. Who killed Cock Robin? I don't know, but please send him here. I have a contract for him.

Stacked

2009-03-25T12:35:00.001-07:00

Saw these really cool acrylic tumblers at the...yes, nursery. (I tell ya, I LOVE that place!) The abstract patterns the stacks made really caught my eye, and the way the light played through the thickness of the acrylic. If you didn't know, you'd think these were reflections.

Passing Through

2009-03-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

These are from about 10 days ago, when we still had snow on the ground...my nemesis, the Rotten Elk, stopping by to see what's growing. Taken through my living room window.

Hopefully now that DS is here--well, actually his dog--there will be enough dog smell around the yard to cause these pests and the rest of their friends (a group of about 13) to detour to my neighbors' yards!

summer dining

2009-03-23T16:19:00.001-07:00

Don't the colors of this tableware just make you want to grill and eat out on the patio?? Love the translucent vividness of the different shades.

Run-off

2009-03-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon R and I went up to my favorite right-off-the-side-of-the-road waterfalls (just when there's been lots of rain or melt-off). The sun was playing peek-a-boo, which was fine with me, because I have trouble getting slower water when there's lots of light...too much gets blown out. Give me a good cloudy overcast day anytime. (spoken like a true Northwesterner)

I really like the painterly feel to this one. It reminds me of something Kaz would do. Very impressionistic.

Gotta love Home Depot!

2009-03-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

The sun came out while I was heading out on errands this morning, and the flowers in front of Home Depot pulled me right out of the car. They had all these calla lilies; poor things, the weather still isn't gentle enough for them to be displayed outside. However, I did get excited about the sunflare drop!!
And--can you believe this orchid? There it sits in Home Depot, waiting for someone to give it a good home...

take a seat

2009-03-20T12:53:00.001-07:00

A couple more from the retail store side of the nursery. It's raining out, so I can't get out to shoot. Thus....a little taste of warmer weather relaxation!

Structure

2009-03-19T07:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks, Lauren, for the inspiration for these spiny shots.

The horizontal stripes on this cactus intrigue me.

Doesn't this look like a pin cushion?

Wavy edges on a succulent. Loved the pink edges, and the way the light was illuminating them.

Calla Lilies

2009-03-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

I love calla lilies--the shapes, the curves, the sensuousness of them, the abstract possibilities...

And, the nursery where I was shooting these? An employee came over while I was photo-ing, and said...."Here, you really need to get this one. Look at the color!" and took the above callas from the display in the center of the big table and put it where I could play with it. Now THAT, Peas, is a photographer-friendly store!!

Devotion

2009-03-17T07:45:00.001-07:00

Due to the lovely economy, our son D is back home, looking for a job while living rent-free. He brought his dog with him (would that make her our grand-dog? Have to think on that one...) and while he is out beating the pavements job-hunting, we dog-sit. When she starts missing him a lot (more than watching out the window for him), she takes a nap with her head resting on his shoes. I've caught a whiff of those things--and if they smell like that to a human nose, WHAT must it smell like to a dog? Anyway, true devotion is getting as close to your Human as possible, even if it is only his stinky shoes.

Orchids

2009-03-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, time to jump on the Orchid Bandwagon... The nursery I went to has EVERYTHING!

What a color combination!

Centered

2009-03-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

It rained all day yesterday; it is snowing this morning. I am so glad I went to the nursery this week to remind myself that spring IS coming!!

I love the way the water pooled in the center of this ranunculus, making it look like a gem.

spring colors

2009-03-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Some spring blooms from the nursery. I love it when the forced bulbs bloom early,giving you a little added incentive to make it through the rest of the crummy weather.

Ranunculus--or would that be ranunculi?

2009-03-13T08:01:00.001-07:00

Found these beauties at the nursery. Although they are spring bloomers, it is still too cold for them outdoors. I love the layers upon layers, and the multi-color varieties are my favorites.

Macros

2009-03-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our son D is home for a while (gotta love the economy and job layoffs...), so I took a morning and went nursery crawling. I usually don't leave R for longer than an hour, so having D home will help me with my errands, shopping and general mental health.

Anyway, you'll be seeing some stuff from the nursery as the week goes on...

Jack Frost was here

2009-03-10T11:02:00.001-07:00

Macros for Monday

2009-03-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

A little lichen....

a nestled-in raindrop ...

and some moss establishing a colony on a rock.

...and, why I can't get out and macro today. Who would've guessed that March would be so snowy here? I am thrilled, though, that all this wasn't rain, or we'd be worrying about flooding again.

Oh--what a BEAUTIFUL morning!!

2009-03-08T12:31:00.001-07:00

Some more snow overnight, but a glorious sunrise this morning!

tulips are red

2009-03-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

It's snowing again today. What a March we are having! Usually this time of year brings rain and more rain...but it will come soon enough, and at least when it's snowing you can get out and about without getting wet.
That being said--here are some wonderful tulips a friend brought by for me. Two more months and they should be blooming around here. I can hardly wait to get up to the Skagit Valley where all the big bulb farms are and see all the stuff blooming!

Baby, it's cold outside!

2009-03-06T11:04:00.001-08:00

It's pretty chilly when robins start to look like tennis balls...
The view out our window this morning. I love it when the mountains look like they are flocked, and when we have BLUE SKY!!!!!

Went over to the Falls to see if the cold this morning yielded anything exciting, but there wasn't as much snow, and the Falls were too low for there to be much mist, so there wasn't anything to freeze on the grasses, branches, and stuff. I did find the early sun coming through the mist, though.
And, a little bit of refraction, and flare, in a melting ice drop.

The joke's on me!

2009-03-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise this morning when I woke up to this--just when i thought we'd seen the last of the snow. Big fat quarter-sized flakes, falling thickly and rapidly. We got about 6", but it is already melting. Seattle? Only rain today. Even the little town 5 miles from me didn't get any snow...we just live in the right curve of the mountain to get the snowfall. And--maybe another storm through this weekend.

Can you see the snow-covered branches of the tree in the background in the drop?

Heather

2009-03-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

My heather is blooming--that is the bits of it that the deer haven't stripped. Deer are supposed to NOT eat heather; evidently the deer around here didn't get that memo. I love the tiny dainty little flowers on these. Each little bloom is about 1/4". Isn't that color gorgeous this gloomy time of year?

One last blast

2009-03-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

This was last week--one last little surprise by Mother Nature before spring takes over. Fortunately it only lasted a day. Sure was pretty, though!!

February Color

2009-02-28T19:56:00.000-08:00

A dear friend brought me some beautiful florist's azaleas for my birthday. Don't you love the texture of the petals and the ruffled edges on these buds?

The white edging on these petals is so delicate--they look like fancy petticoat edges, all ruffles and lace.

Primmies

2009-02-28T06:46:00.001-08:00

Primroses are a sure sign of spring around here. They hold up against the frosty nights and the occasional late snow (like yesterday). I found all these at the nursery last week, and loved all the color and the center patterns.
And, one early industrious bee!! Spring MUST be on the way if this worker is out collecting nectar already.

Hellebore season

2009-02-25T16:39:00.001-08:00

This is a hellebore, also called a Lenten Lily. They start blooming in the early spring, and there are some varieties that bloom in the early fall. I like them because the pestiferous deer and elk don't eat them, since they are poisonous, and the serrated leaf edges keep them from nibbling just to check. There are so many different types and colors--I saw this one at a nursery a couple of weeks ago.
For those who have asked: Rick and I are playing Hospital Bungee--in and out, in and out. The doctors are ironing out most of the kinks in his recovery, so hopefully one of these days we will get home and STAY home. I miss Pea-ing, but can't do much of it at the hospital (oh there's a good laugh in there!!). I am home tonight for the first time in a while, but back to my "second home" tomorrow. Thank you for all the emails and kind thoughts and wishes, and the prayers. They have all helped!

Artistry in Ice

2009-02-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

Another crisp morning this week gave me some more textures to drool over on the pond. I just love the organic, fern-like feel these have. I also love the little snowflake shape at about 5:00 on this shot.
More ferns or feathers, looking like they are rising out of a pleated base.

This reminded me of wings...

And speaking of wings, here was a butterfly on the ice! Isn't it incredible what an artist Mother Nature is??

Rusted Remains

2009-02-18T11:09:00.001-08:00

The next town over from where I live has a railway museum, with a wonderfully restored depot, and a train that runs through the valley, as well as hosting Thomas in the summer. There is also a collection of old railcars and engines...most of which are not much more than rusted-out hulks. My DH, who used to work for the railroad, rolls his eyes in disgust everytime he sees the collection of junk, but the railroad afficionados love this stuff.

Me? I think it's junk too---but there is a wealth of detail in all the junk. If you overlook the big picture, and focus in small, there are really cool patterns and textures to be found.

Truth in advertising??

2009-02-17T16:13:00.001-08:00

Doesn't exactly tempt the tastebuds, does it? And they wonder why they don't have much business!!

Love, Man-Style

2009-02-11T13:43:00.001-08:00

What is it with men and remotes?? I mean, aren't they supposed to leave their Woobies behind when they grow up? R has always been a remote-hog, but since he's been home from the hospital, I swear that thing never leaves his hand. Actually, I'm surprised that it hasn't started growing to his hand! My favorite part is when he is sound asleep, completely and totally zoned out, and doesn't even hear me talking to him. I gently reach over and slide the remote out of his relaxed grip. WRONG! The hand spasmodically clenches shut, and he shouts (honest!) "I'm watching that! I'm watching that!" Needless to say, he doesn't even know what "that" IS--just don't take away the remote. Anyone else out there have the same problem??