Blue Jay – Pretty, but not popular as they are bossy, noisy, and drive off the other birds. This one happened to arrive as I was sitting on the sofa in the ‘Sparkle Zone’ cup of tea in hand, and my camera within reach.
Backyard
Tree Frog – it was tiny! Not much over an inch long, laying on one of the wooden boards of the screen on the deck.
Birdbath for Ginger – Thursday was a day of gifts. Carol bought me some farm-fresh eggs, and Jim brought us this wonderful sculpture/birdbath. +1
Adult and juvenile male Rose-breasted Grosbeak – this winter we put up four (yes four), bird feeders in front of the ‘Sparkle Zone’ windows. These new visitors arrived today.
Lanie opening her birthday presents. +2
Snowy backyard with chairs gathered around the fire pit – It got cold. -13°F (-25°C) cold. Yes, we had a couple of short power cuts, but they were a minor inconvenience. Fortunately a week or so before the cold snap we had our furnace replaced with a new high-efficiency model. +1
Flying – I love how this leaf looks like it is spreading its wings and is about to fly.
Today I was reminded of a lesson. The lesson is more than adequately summed up in the old adage: “Pride comes before a fall…”
“In the town where I was born …” – It seems that every year or so I find an excuse to take at least one picture of the ceramic fish and/or submarine my sister bought me way back when.
When I noticed the sunlight dappling the flower I decided to take the picture, no matter how twee hibiscus flower pictures are. Thinking about it; for a better shot I should have got the sunlight in the background behind the stamen.
Feet Up and Taking a Break – We’ve been a tad busy of late, so I took a day off and just sat in the back yard.
White-Marked Tussock Moth – (Orgyia leucostigma) 2 pictures
Last night it dropped to 3°F (-16°C) and we had a light dusting of snow. Needless to say, I had no inclination to go out taking pictures this morning. This afternoon, once the temperature had crept up above 10°, I ventured out for a few quick shots.
Ceramic Fish – I must have had these ceramic fish for 12-15 years, they were a gift from my sister. I take a picture of them every now and then. They followed me across the Atlantic. A tiny bit of the UK seaside here in the Ozarks.
Black and White picture, with some of the leafy clutter removed. The roots of our two backyard trees occasionally break the surface. When they grow too high the mower trims off the top, producing these interesting patterns as they try to heal.
The roots of our two backyard trees occasionally break the surface. When they grow too high the mower trims off the top, producing these interesting patterns as they try to heal.
Our Sweet Gum Tree Still Has It’s Leaves – Which is a nuisance, as it is pointless raking up the leaves in the yard until all the trees are done shedding. 2 pictures
Evening Pleasures – An oil lamp, my journal, and unusually for me, a rum and Coke. All by the chiminea. +2
Despite the heat we decided to light the chiminea. Ginger went off to bed early and I stayed out contemplating my navel, life, the universe, and everything. Fire is so addictive and soothing. I really enjoy the chiminea.