Raindrops on Grass - Weekend Reflections

Whenever I hate the rain ...
I remember the beauty ...
Of the raindrop.

To see beautiful reflections from around the world, please visit James at Newton Area Photo - host of Weekend Reflections.

Ssssssstay Away!!! Hisssssss

One of the neighborhood kids set a live trap in the woods, just to see what he would find. He had no idea that his capture would be (go figure!) such a wild, dangerous looking creature.

He was afraid to open the cage himself, so I very carefully let out the possum, who by then was thoroughly peeved. He hissed at me as I snapped his picture, then slowly made my way back up the hill, facing him the whole time. Other than hissing, he 'played possum', and didn't try to attack, thank goodness.

The neighborhood kids and I had a little talk, and I don't think they will be playing with live traps anymore. In fact, they will probably be staying out of the woods completely for a while.

Apple Blossom Time

The cherry tree blossoms are gone ...
It's time for apple blossoms!

And the trees are loaded with beauty this year!

Beetle and Deer

We usually see box elder bugs on the south side of buildings, enjoying the warmth of the sun. They gather in great numbers, at times you can't see through their swarms.

I found this lonely guy sitting on the blossoms of a trailing blackberry.

As I was bringing out food for the ladies (my chickens), I glanced across the street and saw this beautiful deer. She was standing there watching me. When I moved, she took off. Right behind her followed a baby deer ... though I missed that shot.

I have seen this tiny family several times since then, I think they feel safe here.

Miner's Lettuce - Shadow Shot Sunday

Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)

Named Miner's Lettuce because early miners and settlers on the West Coast used this beautiful little plant as a salad vegetable.

I remember as a child we would look forward to the coming of the Miner's Lettuce - we would put it on OUR salads - and it was good!

I hadn't seen it around for a few years ... at least not much.
But THIS year is different!
It is all over the place!
Including my salad bowl.

This unassuming yet tasty little plant, caught in sun and shadow,
is my submission to
Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday.

Fanno Creek - Weekend Reflections

I was taking my (nearly) weekly walk around Fanno Creek Nature Park in Tigard (Oregon), when the sun started to peek out from behind the clouds.

I tried to catch it's reflection in the creek.

The patterns of the reflections in the gently flowing water fascinated me.
I hope you are fascinated as well!

To see beautiful reflections from around the world, please visit here!

Bell Road Surprise!

I was walking along rural Bell Road, looking for a Vanilla Leaf plant I thought I had seen there.
As I was admiring the beautiful leaves, something caught my eye across the road.
Movement
Something kept sticking its head out of a small hole in a large tree. Was it a bird? A squirrel? I sat for 5 minutes ... when suddenly !!!

A pileated woodpecker squeezed out of the hole!
It flew straight at me, and landed on the tree above my head.
She screamed at me, then flew off into the woods.

I think maybe I was being told off - "stay away from my babies" - or maybe ...

She wanted me to keep a close watch while she was off hunting dinner.

I watched for a while longer, then made my way home.
Because I could hardly wait to share this very beautiful and touching experience!

Spring in the Woods

I came across this meadow of camas, while walking in the woods.

I was here two days ago, and there was only green.

This beautiful forest snail joined me for a bit.
He was running fast,
But I beat him.

Trillium Shadows

This trillium flower is nearing the end of it's brilliant show.

I was fascinated by the shadows left by this ragged beauty.

This will be my first submission to
Shadow Shot Sunday.

Fringecups on Log - Weekend Reflections

Fringecups have found a home here on the log
You have to look closely to see
Their reflection
In the murky water
Below.

For more reflections from around the world, please visit Weekend Reflections.

Another Fuzzy Caterpillar

I went for a long walk in the woods yesterday. I've been trying to do that lately.
When I saw this fuzzy little caterpillar, I knew I had to take his picture. I didn't know at the time that the dandelion would rival his beauty.

Frog

I saw him, though he didn't think I did.
He was carefully hiding behind a couple of
Grass blades.

When I moved the grass to get a closer look, off he went.
He stopped for a minute to get his bearings ...
Then he was gone.

Blue Jay

I've tried to photograph the local bluejays for years - with little luck. As soon as I get one in focus, off he would go.

I went for a walk yesterday and happened upon this beautiful scrub jay sitting in an old apple tree next to the path.

I stopped, and she sat there. I asked her if it was okay to take her picture.
She stayed put.

She jumped around a bit, posing for me.

Then she gave me "that look".
You know, the one that says "what ARE you looking at? Aren't you done YET???"

So I thanked her. Then I left.

Duck! - Weekend Reflections

Sissie and I went for a short walk last Tuesday.
I almost ran into her when she stopped short ...
"Shhhhhh ..."

We both whipped out our cameras, to capture this
adorable female duck ...
Standing in a parking lot puddle.

To see more beautiful reflections from around the world, please visit Weekend Reflections.

Bumblebee, I think

I found this beautiful bumblebee (I think) crawling across the road.
I went to a bumblebee identification page and did my best to describe what I saw.

Below is the response:

• you have a kind that is not yet in the guide.
• the guide is wrong.
• or you selected characters that you shouldn't have.

So ... I still don't know much about this little guy, except that he is a bee, and he is bee-utiful!

Trailing Blackberry Blossom

The trailing blackberry is native to this area.
It is being taken over by Himalayan blackberries,
And Evergreen blackberries.

Their fruit is smaller.
Their vines are smaller.
They bloom earlier.

They are sweeter, too.
But it's hard to find enough to eat -
Because the critters are in on the secret!

I will have to guard this one carefully -

Last Sigh of Winter - Queen Anne's Lace

I found the remains of last summer's Queen Anne's Lace flowers and seeds glowing in the fading light of day, the new growth of Spring at their base.

Goodbye Winter.
You were beautiful, in your own way.

Skunk Cabbage with Reflection - Weekend Reflections

We smelled it before we found the bloom.
You know, there's a reason it's called "SKUNK Cabbage"!

They grow in wet, swampy areas.
Like beside Mill Creek as it meanders down the canyon behind the house, all the way to the Willamette River just to our south.

It was a beautiful day for a hike with my sister Beth, and we had a wonderful time pointing out the beauty we saw. Thank you James for your Weekend Reflections at Newton Area photo . You added a whole new dimension to our day in the woods! Because we both delighted in being the first to find, you guessed it -- Reflections! I was indeed blessed to have caught this one first!

Pink Crocus

I found these pink and yellow crocuses
In an abandoned garden ... at the abandoned church.

I think they were dressing up for Easter!