Back to basics

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

"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

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!

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...

"...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!!