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Here and There…Now and Then |
Sunset
More precisely, the lack of wide open spaces. There are fewer places to get a good picture of a sunset than you might think. As I came home today I tried to find one but this was the best I could do. I got a couple that don’t have the power lines or tower but they aren’t as good of the clouds. So, the open, westward facing photo spot still eludes detection. But I’ll keep looking.
<em>Ardea herodias</em> (Great Blue Heron)
As I pulled into the parking lot at work today I saw this heron down by the water. I parked, slowly opened the door and squeezed off three shots before he got spooked and flew away. The lighting was a bit rough and this long lens of mine is really not very sharp. Gotta save up for something better. Then again, I want something new on the wide end, as well. So many lenses, so little money.
More winter/early spring flowers today, taken in our back yard.
Dorothy had her second session in the recording studio this afternoon so Cathy and I took the opportunity to visit Brookside Gardens. The flowers in the greenhouse where lovely (much prettier than these poor photos show, I’m afraid). We also walked outside a little but the wind was pretty chilly. Still, there were some nice winter flowering plants in bloom that were worth seeing.
Sunset Out Back
I didn’t get out to take any pictures this morning and it was raining all afternoon. Fortunately it stopped raining and began to clear as the sun went down so I was able to take this picture out of our back door.
After seeing the butterfly yesterday and with today being even warmer, I decided to go out specifically looking for signs of spring. I hadn’t realized that the red maples were starting to bloom but as you can see, they are. It’s not too late for a surprise snow storm but spring it definitely approaching.
<em>Colias philodice</em> (Clouded Sulphur)
Cathy and I took a walk at lunch time today and I saw a few sulphur butterflies. February seems like the wrong time of year for them, but for all I know they are active throughout the year. Anyway, it’s been a fairly mild winter, so it isn’t too surprising, anyway. This isn’t a particularly good picture but we were on a walk together rather than me being out specifically to chase butterflies. Also, no tripod.
Gerber Daisies
These are in a vase in our dining room and though they are wilting a bit, they are still quite cheery and bright.
We think of winter as being without flowers but at least in our zone 7 climate that’s not really true. There are not nearly so many, of course, but there are blooms to be found. We have snow drops (Galanthus nivalis) blooming at various places around the yard. We only have one Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) but we should get more. The one we have is a lovely claret color that’s quite cheery on a cold winter’s day (or even a warm winter’s day like we had today).
When we first went to Alaska we’d be out and about and were constantly looking for bald eagles. We’d see a big bird and get excited only to get closer only to find it was a raven or sometimes not even a bird at all. It’s one thing to know you’re looking for a big bird but another thing once you’ve seen how very big they actually are.
I was out at Brighton Dam today, taking a few pictures and enjoying a fine, warm winter’s day when I looked up and saw this bird overhead. I really wish I had a better long lens—this is pretty fuzzy—still, it’s a bald eagle, which isn’t something you see every day around here.
I went to the grocery store while Dorothy was at her art lesson this afternoon and when I came out I noticed the two signs and how different they are.
I was taking pictures of the piano keyboard this evening, with the camera on a tripod and with a two second delay. Dorothy had a good time trying to photo bomb my efforts. As you can see from the second of these pictures, she succeeded.
Another Sunset
I was just leaving work today when I saw this in my rear view mirror. I found a place to stop and got a few nice shots. It looks similar to yesterday’s but every sunset is different. Also, since I was in a different place, even the same sunset would be different.
Winter Sunset
Driving home this evening the sunset was quite beautiful so I found a place to pull over and got a nice photo of it.
Light Snow and Cool
There was a light snow overnight and it was quite cool this morning. Our thermometer said 19°F (-7°C) when I got up although it wasn’t as breezy as it was last night, which made if feel colder when it wasn’t.
Recording Session
The Music Guild had its first recording session today. I only went in long enough to see what the place looked like and to take a few pictures. This is Erin at the microphone.
Drowning Trumpet
Or maybe it’s just being washed, I’m not sure which. I thought about calling it “The Death of the Trumpet Marat” but that might be a bit too obscure.
Dorothy and Kendra
There isn’t a lot that needs to be said about this picture. It is what it is.
