Random Nature

Emerald Green with Wings

2012-01-20T05:52:00.000-08:00

(Please click on this photo to enlarge and see more details!)

Due to inclement weather (rain, rain, flood, rain), we have been stuck indoors for several days. What better time to go through the archives and find those pictures I had forgotten about!

This emerald green (bee? fly?) was gathering some late season pollen when I came across it near the end of October.

I was mesmerized by the iridescent green of the insect against the vivid yellow of the flower.

I am linking this up with Tina's PicStory's "Weekend Flowers",
James' "Weekend Reflections",
NixBlog's "Floral Friday Fotos",
and
NatureFootsteps' "NF Winged".

I hope everyone has a delightful weekend!

Cut Tree Heart

2012-01-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

The "tree people" came through last week, clearing out trees and branches that were growing too close to the overhead power lines.

Unfortunately, this huge old cottonwood was in the way, and had to go.
I did a double-take when I realized the tree people had left a stump - with an upside down heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

The Tiny Beauty of Moss

2012-01-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

If you could have only seen me yesterday ...
Taking pictures of the moss ...

And miniature mushrooms ...
In the calm between storms ...

Savoring the tiny beauty around me ...

On my hands and knees ...
Tush in the air ...
Soaked to my elbows ...

And happy as happy can be!!!

I am linking this up with Lisa's Chaos - "Macro Monday".

And Studio Waterstone's "I Heart Macro".

Needle Ice

2012-01-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

The ground froze last night ...
This morning, when the sun came out, I found these interesting ice heave formations. It amazes me that such a delicate piece of frozen water can lift up rocks like this!

I did some research, and learned that this type of ice is called "needle ice", frost heave, or frost beard. The National Snow & Ice Data Center (NSIDC) describes needle ice as follows: "Needle ice can form any place where the ground freezes. It crunches when stepped on. Needle ice is made up of thin ice crystals. The ice crystals grow upward, starting a few centimeters (inches) underground. If the air stays cold enough, needle ice can grow forty centimeters (16") long."

What the NSIDC doesn't say, however, is that if a deer runs through the ice patch, it leaves behind a heart!!!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Coral Mushroom

2012-01-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

I was a little surprised to find this coral mushroom yesterday as I hiked through the woods. Even though it is a small fungus - it's white color showed up brilliantly against the darkness of dead leaves and debris of the wintery forest floor.

A Walk in the Rain ...

2012-01-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

The pink heather blossoms are hanging on this winter ...
Today they are drenched in rain.

And are linked with Tina's PicStory's "Weekend Flowers" ...
And with NixBlog's "Floral Friday Photo"...

The trees in the distance are reflected in the drops hanging from the blackberry vine.

If you look carefully (or click the picture to enlarge it), you can even see the rim of my camera lens reflected above this raindrop!

Life can be beautiful in the rain ...
Because that's when Nature shares her jewels.

To be linked together with other reflections over at James' "Weekend Reflections"!

Winter's Rain on Blackberry Leaf ...

2012-01-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Tina's Wordless Wednesday

Warm Rains Are Expected!

2011-12-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

Warm rains are expected this week ...
Lots of rain.
With wind.
Sigh.

The freezing fog of the past month is history now ...
In a way I will miss the beauty I found on those days ...

I wonder what the world will look like tomorrow!!!

Join us over at Beth's Artworx - for her wonderful meme "FATuesday Artist Spotlight" - link up and share YOUR art!

Nature's Unexpected Heart

2011-12-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

I found this heart in the woods ...
It was chewed by a forest creature ...
Can you guess what the critter ate?

If you guessed "a mushroom" - you're right!

To see found hearts from around the world, visit Random Hearts - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

The Up Side to Freezing Fog!!!

2011-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

The frost coated everything ... like these late winter flowers ...

Brown and yellow autumn leaves, fallen from the trees a short time ago, were coated with crystals!

Sun shone through a leaf, highlighting the unusual ice formations.

The world became a different place, cold and beautiful.

Then the sun came out!

Join us over at NatureFootstep's meme "NF Macros"!

Beth, over at "Beth's Artworx", hosts "FATuesday Artist Spotlight". This is a wonderful opportunity to share your artwork, as well as support fellow artists!
Come join us this week! All types of art are encouraged - from photography to collage to poems to beautifully restored cars - and more!

To see reflections from around the world, join us for James' "Weekend Reflections"!

December Flowers ...

2011-12-13T19:47:00.000-08:00

There aren't many flowers left around here ...

I found these "weeds" last week, before the killing frosts.

They are gone now, but they will be back ...

Next year!

I am linking this post up with NatureFootstep's meme -

NF Flowers - come visit us and join in!

Frosty Flower

2011-12-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

We have been socked in with freezing fog for days.
It's cold.
It's dark.
But there are moments of beauty!

To see beautiful flowers from around the world, visit Tina's PicStory's "Weekend Flowers"!

Pitch and Critters ...

2011-12-09T06:59:00.001-08:00

I was trying to capture the day's reflections in a drop of pitch ...
When I saw this little bug.
Walking along - without getting stuck!

This spider wasn't so lucky!!!

To see reflections from around the word, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections!"

Raindrops on Fence

2011-12-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

Raindrops became partially frozen on the metal fence ...

Each drop was an upside-down world of it's own ...

Caught for a moment in an icy prison.

Until set free by the rising sun.

To see reflections from around the world, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections"!

AND ... It's "Friday Fences" time! Come join us for 'fencing' fun!

Winter Mushrooms

2011-12-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

They have appeared in the woods and lawns ...

Mushrooms of all shapes and sizes!
They will show up until the first hard freeze ...

Sharing their heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Frosty Morning Beauty

2011-11-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday started out cold ...
The first frost of the winter season coated the world.

The patterns it created were diverse and amazing!

Then the sun came out ... the ice crystals began to melt.

Until they were once again droplets of water.

Taking Pictures of Moss ...

2011-11-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

I was on my hands and knees in the parking lot, fascinated with the raindrops that were clinging to the moss ... when a tiny flash of blue caught my eye.

It was a tiny little bug, clinging to a blade of grass!

I don't know what kind of bug it was.

But it was gorgeous!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James' "Weekend Reflections"!

Autumn Mushroom

2011-11-15T18:40:00.001-08:00

Tina's Wordless Wednesday

FATuesday Artist Spotlight

Beach Hearts - PicStory

2011-11-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly a year since Sissie and I went to the beach ...
And even the wind and rain didn't stop us from finding hearts!

Nor did the SNOW!

Tina's "PicStory" challenge this week is HEARTS! Come join the hearty fun!

To see even more hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Oak Leaf Shadow on Autumn Grape Leaf

2011-11-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

A watery sun showed it's presence for a few minutes,
and the grape leaves glowed in the brief light.

A lone oak leaf, held in place by raindrops, briefly shared it's shadow.

Join us over at "Hey Harriet" for Shadow Shot Sunday!

Gloomy Day Yields Beauty

2011-11-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

A gloomy fall day yields it's own beauty ...

A purple flower is barely visible in the mist ...

Jeweled raindrops adorn a grass blade, and fill a cup lichen ...

Ah, the subtle beauty of a gloomy Autumn day!

To see beautiful flowers from around the world, visit Tina's PicStory's "Weekend Flowers"!

Ginkgo Biloba Loses Leaves ...

2011-11-11T06:22:00.001-08:00

The carpet of yellow leaves freshly fallen from the ginkgo biloba tree caught my eye.

I was drawn closer, and I realized most of the leaves had been on the ground for a while, collecting dew.

I was so mesmerized by the jeweled beauty
of the leaves, that I barely noticed the curious people in the cars that had to swerve around me in the parking lot. Most of them were smiling.

I am linking up with Beth's "FATuesday Artist Spotlight" - come on over and be inspired by all of the wonderful artists Beth found this week - and share YOUR art as well!

To see beautiful reflections from around the world, please join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections".

Autumn Blackberry Leaves

2011-11-09T15:21:00.001-08:00

The magic of Autumn twilight glows ...
Through a Himalayan blackberry leaf ...

Bringing beauty to a dreary season ...

Autumn Oak Leaves

2011-11-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

(Autumn oak tree leaves in the sun ...)

The sun came out yesterday - it was a beautiful day, though chilly.

I spent much of the day wandering around outside ...
Rejoicing in the sights, sounds and scents of Autumn.
And especially loving the colors!

Because it won't be long before I will be lamenting these leaves ...
As I rake them out of the lawn!
Sigh

Dreary Day Surprise - Weekend Reflections

2011-11-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

(Please click on photo to enlarge)

I couldn't believe the reflections I found yesterday when the sun peeked through the heavy fog.

To see reflections from around the world, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections" - and share the reflections of YOUR world!

This picture came straight out of the camera, all I did was crop a little.

Be sure to visit Jan over at Murrieta 365, who hosts "Straight Out of the Camera Sunday" for more wonderful photos!

Yellow Weed Heart

2011-11-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

A late blooming "weed" - made a perfect heart in the late afternoon twilight that is Autumn ...

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Raindrops on Oakleaf ...

2011-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Most of the oak leaves turn brown on the tree, then rustle softly to the ground. Sometimes, though, they are caught by the wind and end up falling while they still have a bit of green. This is one such leaf ... catching the misting rain of the early morning ... and showing it's bejeweled beauty!!!

Today is a special day.
Beth - over at "Beth's Artworx" has posted "FATuesday Artist Spotlight #52"!!!
Yep, #52 - that's a year's worth of amazing artists that Beth has found and featured - from photographers to collage artists and vintage car restorers, from jewelry designers to performing artists and poets.
I have come to love Tuesday ... because I know Beth will have found someone who inspires and captivates me ... almost as much as SHE does with her own beautiful art.

Please join me in wishing Beth a special congratulations on a wonderful year of FATuesday ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!

And while you're there, be sure to link up for the party!
Because we can never have enough beauty in the world!
And we can never have enough encouragement!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to those who observe the day ...
For everyone else ... enjoy the creepy crawlies that will be popping up everywhere today -
They can be interesting and beautiful!

Early Morning Raindrop on Lichen

2011-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

On an overcast gloomy day ...
Last night's sprinkles hanging from Autumn branches ...
Where can the beauty be in a such a day?
OH.

To see reflections from around the world, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections"!

Watching Me Watching Them ...

2011-10-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

As I was going for my walk, I felt something watching me ...
Was it this beautiful little bird that kept flitting around in the trees off to my right?

Or maybe it was this squirrel, intent on my progress?

Oh! Maybe it was this deer, hiding at the top of the little hill?

Or ...

Maybe one of her friends (if you enlarge this photo you will see there are SEVEN deer in this shot!).

I guess they were watching me find this cute little heart!!!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Sun Breaks Silver on Willamette River

2011-10-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

I walked for a moment along the bank of the Willamette River near Newberg (Oregon) yesterday ...

It was cloudy and chilly when I got there, but suddenly the sun broke through the rain clouds, lighting a silver path across the river ...

Just a much needed moment of peace ...
In a life of unrest ...

And I felt renewed.

Tina's PicStory's challenge this week is "gold or silver" - show us the gold and silver of YOUR world!

Fuzzy Pink Flower

2011-10-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

I was walking over at the abandoned church when I found these Tiny pink flowers on a tall stalk - surrounded by fuzz.
*I'm not sure what kind of plant it is ...
*Update - of course Mom knew this is a Lamb's Ear, Stachys byzantina!
It used to be part of the beautiful landscaping of the once-popular mega-church ... now being reclaimed by nature.

But I couldn't think of a better PINK flower for Tina's PicStory's "Weekend Flowers"!

Winter Apples

2011-10-20T09:18:00.001-07:00

My uncle's winter apple tree is loaded this year with beautiful red lusciousness!

As I looked more closely at one of the apples ... the one with the green still on the bottom ... I couldn't help but wonder ...
Isn't that a heart???

To see hearts from around the world, visit Random Hearts - and share YOUR heart on "Guest Heart Thursday!"

"Tina's PicStory" challenge this week is "food" - Apples are food, right? :=}

Autumn Walk in Canyon Part 2

2011-10-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

This late season bumblebee was searching for what little bit of nourishment he could find in this fall crocus flower ...

While this whitish spider stood out sharply against a tiny pink flower ...

A praying mantis was doing what he does best ...
I almost didn't see him as he blended in with the dried grasses around him ...
(click this photo to enlarge and see him close up!)

While this pair of mushrooms took advantage of our autumn rains to flourish.

Autumn Walk in Canyon

2011-10-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

I got to play hide-n-seek with a cute little bird.
The bird won.

I admired the autumn colors of the leaves ...

The mushrooms showed me their own unique beauty.

But it was this little ladybug who stole the show.
She landed on my arm ... AND BIT ME.
I've never been bit by a ladybug before!
I flicked her off, then took her portrait.

It was a beautiful day for a walk in the canyon ...
but I hear tomorrow will be even better!!!

Autumn Chickory Flower

2011-10-16T17:36:00.001-07:00

Chickory, Cichorium intybus

I was overjoyed to find this beautiful chickory plant still in full bloom, even though most of the flowers around here are long gone.

To see gorgeous flowers from around the world, visit Tina's Picstory's meme "Weekend Flowers" - and prepare to be amazed!

Limb Scrape Heart

2011-10-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

A dead limb, pruned from the tree it grew on ...
Left on the ground to nourish the soil it came from ...
Sharing it's heart.

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Pink Rose Heart

2011-10-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

A few roses are still blooming in our garden ...
Confused, as we all are, as to season ...

Or maybe just a gift from summer ...
To give us the HEART to face autumn?

To see some of the best flower photography ever - join us over at Tina's "Weekend Flowers" - you'll be glad you did!!!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!!!

Visit From a Dragonfly

2011-10-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

He perched on a leaf, resting a while ...

Enjoying the brief bit of autumn sunshine ...
Wings reminiscent of stained glass beauty ...

Too tired to even hold on ...

A face only a mother could love???

But there is magic in his wings ...

Glad To Be Back!

2011-10-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

After I was released from the hospital last Monday, I went for a short walk.
The first walk I've been on for a very long time - one without pain!
Even though I couldn't go far, I found so much had changed since I was last able to be out and about ... summer has morphed into autumn ...

The spiders are growing large, the seed pods are ready to set forth life for next spring ...

The flowers that are hanging on are few and far between ...
Yet beautiful still.

I saw a slight movement in the woods ... I was being watched by this young deer - seemingly unafraid of my slow trek up the road ...

It feels so good to be back!!!

And happy to be joining Tina's "Weekend Flowers" once again!!!

Remnants of Forest Fires ...

2011-09-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

The wind has been blowing smoke from the forest fires raging in the mountains to the East of us ... making it hard to breathe ...

But creating a hauntingly beautiful sunset to the West ...

As a blood red moon rises in the East ...

The Beauty of the Thistle

2011-09-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

Summer here is waning ...

The beautiful blossoms of the season nearly passed ...

Have turned into an explosion of fruits, nuts and seeds!

Bringing a different kind of beauty to my world ...

And sharing a dried thistle heart in anticipation of the swiftly approaching Autumn!

To get your flower-fix for the week, join us over at Tina's "Weekend Flowers"!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday (through Sunday)!

Rose Hearts

2011-08-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year for mom's roses ...
Many have already come and gone, many more are just now starting to bloom.

After a brief shower, I was taking pictures from behind the roses ... and noticed the hearts!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

And be sure to join us over at Tina's for "Weekend Flowers!" for a great weekend of flowery fun!

The Brave Little Gopher

2011-08-24T12:09:00.001-07:00

What could this plucky little gopher be saying?

To the monster cat that had him cornered?

Something tells me it wasn't very nice!

(The cat eventually gave up, and the gopher was carried to his new home across the street - by me!)

Queen Anne's Lace Heart

2011-08-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Some of the Queen Anne's Lace flowers are in full bloom, while others are starting to curl up into their wintertime 'nests'.

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Late Summer Flowers ...

2011-08-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

A sure sign that late summer is upon us here in the Pacific Northwest (USA) ...

Dried grasses going to seed ... and

Queen Anne's Lace flowers!

Be sure to join us over at Tina's "Weekend Flowers" - for lots of flowery fun!

Oh Deer, It's Twins!

2011-08-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

I was walking along the trails of The Abandoned when a slight movement caught my eye. A baby deer! And it wasn't afraid of me at all!

See the hearts in it's spotted coat?

More movement caught my eye ...
TWINS!!!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Alligator Lizard

2011-08-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Oregon Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda

I rescued this alligator lizard from the cats, who were chasing him around a flower pot. He had already lost his tail (a common defense mechanism - but it still looked painful), and looked scared.

I wrapped him in a leaf, and carried him to a safe haven. Along the way, he watched every move I made - especially when I pulled out the camera for a close up.

Cut-leaved Geranium

2011-07-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Cut-leaved Geranium (Geranium dissectum) after rain ...

To see reflections from around the world, join us for James' "Weekend Reflections"!

To see beautiful flowers from around the world, join us for Tina's "Weekend Flowers on Friday"!

Have You Ever Wondered What Deer Are Saying?

2011-07-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmm munch, munch, yummmy ...

"Someone's watching us!"

"Really?"

"I have an idea. Let's pretend to leave ..."

"And watch her from the woods! She won't even know we're still here!"

Surprise Reflections

2011-07-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

Can you guess where I am seeing these reflections?

A view from a little further out ... I'm sure you can guess it's some kind of critter.

Sleeping on the tree ... Oh! It's nocturnal!

Did you guess it was a moth?
Antheraea polyphemus to be exact (don't be too impressed, it took me half an hour to find it online)!
What you can't tell from this shot is how huge this thing is ... the wingspan is about 6 inches (from the tip of my pinkie to the crease of my wrist)!!!

It's the biggest moth I've ever seen! It visited me on Thursday morning, spent the day on the tree, and was gone by Friday morning.

To see reflections from around the world, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections"!

Flowers ... After the Rain ...

2011-07-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Common vetch flower, Vicia sativa

Blueberry blossom, vaccinium

To see reflections from around the world, visit James' "Weekend Reflections"!

To see wonderful flowers from around the world, visit Tina's "Weekend Flowers on Friday"!

Weed Stem Heart

2011-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I love how the stem of this weed has wound around itself ... and has turned itself into a heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

When It Pays to Do Your Homework!

2011-07-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I caught this baby deer playing and cavorting in the destroyed area of the woods across the street ...

While mom lurked nearby, keeping a close eye on her offspring ...

Because I was so upset at the clear cutting of the underbrush in the "green space" that I posted about yesterday, I became convinced that something should be done. And I was the one who needed to do it.

I looked up a city zone map ... and zoning regulations.
Then I e-mailed the City.

"The owners of {*&^%@ SW (*&^%} Road are clearing native underbrush from an area listed on maps as "important" green space and "wetlands". They are using heavy equipment and chainsaws to cut trees, and rip out existing native habitat. Is this acceptable under zoning section 4.118.(.09)*? This area has been forested since at least 1890's without disturbance and houses many native and natural species, both flora and fauna."

I got a response that my request had been forwarded to the "appropriate department" and I would hear back from them within 3 weeks.

2 hours later, there were City workers examining the site!

This is the response I got from the City early this afternoon ...

"Resolution Summary: Thank you for your concern. We have visited the site and have contacted the property owner via phone and will continue to work with them and monitor to ensure this native habitat area is properly maintained. Any additional questions let me know."

YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One person really CAN make a difference!!!

*Zoning section 4.118.(09): To the extent practicable, development and
construction activities of any lot shall consider the use of habitat-friendly
development practices, which include:
A. Minimizing grading, removal of native vegetation, disturbance and removal of
native soils, and impervious area ...

The Brown Side of "Green"

2011-07-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

They came at mid-day ... the tree eating monsters.

Ripping and shredding the underbrush of the woods.
Devouring all that lay in their path.

Leaving behind a mangled tangled mesh of once-living shrubs and plants.

The trees, once home to flying birds and burrowing critters, now just so many pieces of debris.

Or firewood.

RIP dear woods.
Goodbye dear plants.
Foxgloves, thimbleberries, false hellebore, trilliums, ash trees, sword ferns, licorice ferns, lichens and mosses, vetch, Indian plum and more.

Sigh.
All to make the "greenspace" more like what we think it should be. Neat, tidy, perfect.
Just like nature, right???

Forget-Me-Not

2011-07-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Small-Flowered Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis laxa)
(click on picture to enlarge!)

These tiny flowers have their own beauty ...
You just have to look really close!

To see reflections from around the world, join us at James' "Weekend Reflections"!

To see beautiful flowers from around the world, join us at Tina's "Weekend Flowers on Friday"!

The Spider With the Evil Grin

2011-07-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

(click picture to enlarge)

Was this spider mad because I stuck my camera in his face?
Apparently not!
It would seem he was plotting retribution that I dare not imagine!!!
See the evil grin?

I did what any brave nature lover would do.
I ran.

Oh Deer ... It's Haunted!

2011-07-10T17:03:00.001-07:00

I took a long walk today ...
I saw this beautiful green dragonfly, and followed it for a while.

I wound through the woods and ended up behind the abandoned church.
I knew I could cut through the property - a shortcut home!

I snuck through the hole in the fence, onto the church property ...
Where I saw this beautiful dragonfly, perched on a stick.

I was startled by a sound. I looked up and 2 young men were running from the building, as fast as they could - they jumped the fence and were gone.
As they ran, one of them yelled to the other "See? I told you it was haunted!"

I couldn't resist. I went inside the building, and listened.
Silence. Then ... clink ... more silence ... clank ...
I crept forward toward the sounds ...
tick, tick, tick, tick!

I carefully leaned around the wall ... and suddenly!!!!

Oh deer! I guess the building really IS haunted!!!

Snicker.

Osprey Nest Surprise

2011-07-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Why did the osprey build her nest on the cell phone tower?

She just wanted a little place to 'call home'!!!

I'm sorry ... I just couldn't resist.

Onion Blooms As Heart!

2011-07-07T12:00:00.001-07:00

At first I thought the onion flower had a funny looking hat ...
Then I noticed it was an upside-down heart!!!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Enjoy These Free Fireworks!

2011-07-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful fireworks show around - from Nature to Me to YOU!

Happy Independence Day to the US!
Stay happy. Stay safe.
Enjoy the fireworks in YOUR life!

Yellow Flower Identified!

2011-07-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

This delicately beautiful flower caught my eye as I walked down our country road.
There were 5 or 6 stalks (about 4 feet tall!), with pale yellow flowers and feathery purple centers ...

I took some pictures to aide in identification and headed home to check my favorite-plant-identification-book-of-all-time "Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast" by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon.

Nothing was even close!!!

So I went online. Google has a new feature where you can drag your photo into the search bar and it will attempt to match it.
All I got was a page of yellow and purple cartoon characters, and one oriental picture.

Then I tried a wildflower identification guide - I input the characteristics of the plant and ...

This beautiful flower is a Moth Mullein, "Verbascum blattaria"!
I went back to my Plants book and tried again ... had I missed it the first time? No luck. It wasn't there!!!
So I wrote it in.

Pink Rose Shadows ...

2011-07-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

The sun turns a pink rose into a mysterious shadowy realm ...

Where a subtle heart hides below!

To see shadows from around the world, join us over at "Hey Harriet's" Shadow Shot Sunday!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Heart's" Guest Heart Thursday!

"Random Challenges" has issued a challenge for "June Flowers"!

AND ...

There is still time to post YOUR flower over at Tina's "Weekend Flowers (On Friday!)"!

I hope you take the time to visit each of these wonderful memes and challenges!

June Rains Remembered ...

2011-07-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus crassifolius)

Sissie and I took a long walk shortly after the rains stopped last week ...
The beauty of "Nature's Jewels" surrounded us, turning even common weeds into gem-encrusted works of art!

(click on pictures to enlarge!)

Beads of water on the Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) turned the world into a magical place!

Raindrops on the grass seeds reflected the surrounding fields and forests ...

And revealed globes of mystery.

To see reflections from around the world, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections!"

I am also submitting this post to "Weekend Flowers (On Friday)!" - over at "Goodies for a Pleasant Life"!

The Last of June ...

2011-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

The rhododendrons are nearly gone ...

The spiders are getting bigger!

Dragonflies have come to visit ...

And critters will eat just about anything (like this blackberry bud heart!)

Yes, June is ending -- hello July!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday.

Feathery Tree Flowers - Abstract Beauty

2011-06-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

I was walking at the (formerly) abandoned church property when I found a beautiful feathery pink tree - when I looked closer, I found tiny yellow flowers in bloom!

I couldn't quite focus on the flowers, but fell in love with the abstract quality that came out.

I also found this fly.

I've never seen a fly with an orange behind before!!!

And since it is still June ... and the 'feathery' tree is flowering in June, I am making this abstract flower my entry to "Random Challenges" June Flower Challenge.

What a Hoot!!!

2011-06-24T07:02:00.001-07:00

I was taking a walk at the once-abandoned church property, when I saw something out of place ... From a distance I thought someone had placed a boulder on top of the gravel pile beside the building ...

Then it moved - and flew away into a nearby oak tree!

A great horned owl stared back at me from the branches.

I quietly crept closer until I was close enough to see the reflections in his eyes!

He didn't appear to notice me - He was watching a deer in the grass below ...

I ended up nearly under the tree in which he perched ...
And I was wrong - he DID notice my approach!
He looked straight at me - and winked!

I must have taken a gazillion photos, but I was shaking so much only a few came out.

When I left, he was still in the tree watching me.
And I felt blessed by his presence.

To see reflections from around the world, join us over at James' "Weekend Reflections"!

Dew Drops on Clover Leaf Heart

2011-06-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Our summer started out warm ... for a day!
Now it's back to overcast, drizzly and cool.
I'm not complaining, mind you -
It all makes for some awesome photos!
Like this beautiful clover heart with dew drops ...

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Tiny Bee on Hairy Cats Ear

2011-06-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

The bees are loving the early summer flowers ... I found this darling little bee collecting pollen on a Hairy Cats Ear (Hypochoeris radicata) flower. I watched him for a while first, because of his unusual method of gathering the yellow stuff. He laid down on his side, and rubbed his entire body on the flower, sort of like a cat rubs against your legs!

It was working, too. By the time he flew away, he was covered on every part of his little body, except his wings.

Some Reasons to Get Up Early ...

2011-06-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

The birds greet you with joy!

The sun shares it's glory!

Quiet time for a bath ...

The world dresses up in jewels made of dew ...

I've always been one to get up early.
Most of the time that's a GOOD thing!

Downy Woodpecker Surprise!

2011-06-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

As I walked in the misty rain, I was transfixed by the beauty reflected all around me. It was hard to walk far without finding something to take a picture of - like these drops of rain reflecting the yellow irises around them!

Suddenly I heard a sound ... very agitated birds ... seeming to come from a tree in the distance.
I immediately left the nice dry path, and soon was soaked to my knees.

The lighting was terrible ... but I could make out the silhouettes of two birds in the partially dead tree. They were angry with me for being there, and flitted around in the branches over my head.

But that wasn't the sound I heard.
I looked closer ... and I saw where the cheeps were coming from ...

This hole - far up in the dead part of the tree!
I stood as still as I could.

And caught this female Downy Woodpecker feeding her young!

The male wouldn't approach the nest until I had moved a safe distance away. I included this blurry picture of him because this is how I identified this beautiful woodpecker family!

Another Metro Nature Walk ...

2011-06-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

As I walked along the gravel road that comprises part of the Graham Oaks Nature preserve, I saw a sudden movement in front of me.
Oh my! Check out those antlers, still in their velvet!

Off to the side, a young female watched him, not even noticing my presence.
Well, at least not until I started taking her picture - beep-beep, click!

The sun peeked out from behind a cloud, reflecting on a tiny ladybug enjoying the warmth of the afternoon.

A splash of color caught my eye ... what a beautiful butterfly!

Then I saw this beautiful heart-shaped butterfly perched on a bunch of vetch flowers.

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday ... and remember, the link is open until Sunday night!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James, and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Hairy Cat's Ear (Hypochoeris radicata)

2011-06-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hairy Cat's Ear, Hypochoeris radicata, is common around this area at this time of year.
It is a very plain plant similar to a dandelion.
But if you look closely, you will see it is NOT as plain as you would think ...

It is, in fact, downright beautiful as it slowly begins to open ...

Giving us a glimpse of the beauty to come ...

The beautiful yellow color; the intricate patterns of the flower ...

How could I have ever thought this was just another plain old weed???

A Late Afternoon Walk ...

2011-06-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

(click on pictures to enlarge - it's worth it!)

Honeybees in this area were nearly wiped out years ago ...
They have been making a comeback. Slowly.
This year seems to be a banner year for honeybees - I haven't seen so many in one place in years!!!

The oxeye daisies are in bloom now ... enticing all kinds of critters to feast.
Including the honeybees!

Spitbugs seem to be everywhere this year. This one had made it's home on top of a delightfully curled leaf.

I found this wild strawberry ... and just as quickly ... it was gone.

(yum!)

When the critters weren't flying from flower to flower collecting pollen and nectar, they were ... um ... well ... (hey guys, get a room!)

I left the critters to their feasts and fun, collected a pocketful of wild rose petals, and came home.

Sigh.

Beetle Heart Reflections

2011-06-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was taking pictures of raindrops when I noticed these two beetles romancing on a leaf ... together forming a heart - with amazing reflections!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James - and join us for "Weekend Reflections"!

Nature's Abstract Beauty

2011-05-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

A drop of pitch

Rocks, water ... and a bubble

To meet amazing artists from around the world ... to share YOUR art ... and to encourage fellow artists - be sure to visit "Beth's Artworx" - and join us for FATuesday Artists Spotlight!

Nature Walk ... In the Rain

2011-05-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Metro field was wet, and I was soaked to my knees.
It was worth it!
White clover (Trifolium repens)

A pink tree caught my eye ... a hawthorn! This pink variety is not native to our area - it must have escaped from someone's yard.

But it is still a beautiful color.

False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa) - now in full bloom.
I was surprised to see this one so close to the road ... they usually prefer places that have more shade.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement.
A deer and her newborn fawn!

What a wonderful walk! By the time I got home, I was cold and wet, but very very happy.
And I hear it's supposed to rain again today!!!
Yee haw!

Camas Flowers in the Rain

2011-05-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

The camas lilies (Camassia quamash) are in bloom!

With beautiful reflections ...

In the raindrops ...

To see reflections from around the world, visit James' "Weekend Reflections"!

Clouds Part for Heart

2011-05-26T08:21:00.001-07:00

The clouds have been heavy here this spring ... lots of cold and rain.
But occasionally they part!
And show their heart.

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday.

And since this is a cloud heart, I am also submitting this to Beth's sky challenge over at "Random Challenges"!

Silvery Blue Butterfly

2011-05-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

This beautiful butterfly sat still long enough for me to photograph her today ...
After some research, I determined her to be a Silvery blue butterfly (Glauchopsyche lygdamus).
Don't you just love the striped antenae?

It appeared that there were two butterflies!
How embarrassing.

Then I got "the look" ...

So I backed off with my camera, and they flew away together.

Blackberry Flower Reflections

2011-05-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus) is our only native blackberry. They are slowly being taken over by non-native newcomers Himalayan and Evergreen varieties.

They only bloom in the second year ...
But when they do bloom ...

They are exquisite!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Weekend Reflections"!

The Hawthorns are Blooming!

2011-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Not the one in my back yard ...
But I found one on the Metro property down the road.

Hawthorn (shrub)
Crataegus douglasii
(most common in our area)

They are late this year, usually flowering the second week of May.
My backyard hawthorn tree is, as of yesterday, nearly 2 weeks late to bloom.

He Should Have Tried Chocolate ...

2011-05-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is the story of a little Robin.
Searching for love ...
A fat juicy worm is the key to his lady love's heart!

He hops closer on the wire; she turns up her nose.

But darling ... it's such a tasty fat juicy morsel!

She turns her back, rejecting his love.

Then flies away. He is left alone on the wire, his gift unwanted.
His love rejected.

But look ... she didn't go far!
Could she just be playing hard to get?
Is there yet hope for the amorous robin?
Will the worm be just the right present to win her love?

Only time will tell!

Pitchy Reflection, Tree Gnome

2011-05-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sissie and I walked through the woods last week ... and found a tree dripping with sap. We crowded around the tree with our cameras, clicking away ... ending up with tree sap on our elbows and hands ... and in our hair and clothes!
It must have been a funny sight - we were being so careful not to get the sticky stuff on our cameras!

The results were worth it - the reflections on each single drop of pitch were amazing!

Then someone else joined our little tree party ...

A tree gnome - and I think he was laughing at us!!!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo" - and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Western Tanager?

2011-05-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

While walking along the Metro property, sissie and I were shocked and delighted at the numerous birds and other wildlife that were enjoying the warm spring day.

We were mystified by these beautiful yellow bellied birds ... they were too big to be goldfinches, and too yellow to be ... well, anything else I know of!

It wasn't until the male started flitting about the fir tree in the distance that I realized ... these beautiful birds were (most likely) Western Tanagers! The last time I saw one ... the ONLY time I saw one around here was over 10 years ago.

They are only in our area for a short time to mate, raise their young, then fly further north before the real heat of the summer. They return in the fall on their way to warmer climes to the south of us.

According to my bird book, they stick to heavily wooded areas, and are very rarely seen.
What a blessing to be among the few people to catch these beauties in action - twice!

Hummingbird Surprise!

2011-05-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I walked through the grounds of the abandoned church, I was startled by a tiny bird that darted out from a patch of overgrown ivy ...

No bigger than my thumb, this little hummingbird buzzed my head a few times, then perched on a branch just in front of me.

I must have walked too close to her nest, and she was warning me away.
So I quietly left ... after taking a few photos!

Pond Lily Reflection

2011-05-06T14:43:00.001-07:00

The pond lilies are blooming in Dad's pond ...
Baby fish are everywhere!
Frogs sing their songs in the evening ...
What a wonderful place to sit and reflect on Springtime ...

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo", and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Wood Sorrel Blossoms

2011-05-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

The pink wood sorrels are starting to show their heart-shaped leaves out under the old pine tree.
Soon their delicate pink blossoms will emerge as well.
This is one from last year ... unfurling into a delicate heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Peek-A-Boo, I see you!!!

2011-05-03T16:36:00.001-07:00

I found this cute little tree frog lazing about in the sun.
Ain't he cute?

Green Slime with Cottonwood Shadow

2011-05-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

Due to the wet weather we've had this year, a lot of the puddles around are growing what I call "green slime" algea.

The shadow is from an overhanging cottonwood branch ... just beginning to leaf out ... a sure sign that Spring is indeed upon us!

To see amazing shadow pictures from around the world, visit "Hey Harriet", and join us for Shadow Shot Sunday!

Fanno Creek Reflections

2011-04-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Old Christmas ornaments never die ...
They just become part of April reflections!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo" - and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Metro Moss Heart

2011-04-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Sissie and I picked a rare sunny day to go for a long walk last week.
We found beauty all along the way!
Like this amazing moss heart, found hanging from an old oak tree on the Metro (greenspace preservation) property ...

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

How to Manage Thorns ...

2011-04-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

The velveteen softness of the tulip gently cradles the jagged thorns of last year's blackberry vine ...
Proving the true strength of gentleness!

Puddle Bubbles - Weekend Reflections

2011-04-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

The rains have stopped for now ...

But that wasn't the case last week.

All of that wet stuff falling from the sky left huge puddles ...
And bubbly reflections ...

And even some random hearts!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo" - and join us for Weekend Reflections!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts'" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Raindrops on Leaf ... With Heart

2011-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

The wild cherry trees were drenched in raindrops last week, as was everything else in my world. I was surprised to find this little heart caught in one of the drops ...

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Too Much Rain Equals Beauty!

2011-04-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is my front yard by the end of the day yesterday. Seriously! We had nearly 2" of rain in less than 24 hours ... on top of months and months of drippy stuff. Sigh.

I was feeling cooped up and cranky, so I pulled out the umbrella and decided to try and find something beautiful. ANYTHING beautiful.
And look what happened ...

The Japanese Rose reflected yellow beauty into the raindrops ...

Mom's tulips were getting ready to burst forth with still more beauty!

While the raindrops on them reflected even more tulips ...

Raindrops glowed in the watery light on the Indian Plum leaves.

The rains are supposed to stop this afternoon, and we are in for a week of sunshine ... shrinking the puddles, warming the world, bringing new life to the plants ...

I suppose I will miss the beauty of the rain ...

NOT!!!

Water Drop on Plant

2011-04-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

There was a break from the rain one afternoon this week ... my sister Beth and walked over to the abandoned church, looking for signs of spring.

There was much evidence of the recent rain ... like this water droplet nestled in a strange green plant ... reflecting the brightness of the sky.

Later that night, the rains began again, saturating my world.
Maybe tomorrow the sun will shine.
Maybe.

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo", and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Cattail Fuzz!

2011-04-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Spring is the time when the cattails shed their seeds.
While this year's new growth nestles at the feet of the stalks ...

Sometimes the fuzz catches a ride on the wind, and ends up on the sidewalk ...

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Dead Nettle

2011-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dead Nettle
Lamium purpureum

Another sign of spring!

A Break From the Rain ...

2011-04-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

I could curse the cold ... the rain ... the mud ...
But then I would miss the beauty of the heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!