• Avian,  Holiday Seasons,  Holidays

    Happy Thanksgiving

    Happy Thanksgiving

    ‘Tis a time to be thankful for all that we have, even if it is not very much. For me I can say I’m thankful because I’m healthy, game-fully employed, have a wonderful family. I can even say I have some great friends or at least 2 that I know of. I’ve also got $20 in my pocket, half a tank of gas in the car and my internet bill is paid (for this month). Right now I’m in Phoenix with my parents and my two sisters and a darn cool brother-in-law. So, there is much to be thankful for.

    But not everyone is as thankful. There are those who have no food, no home, no family, no job, no money. Or maybe they’re in some outpost in Iraq or dealing with a death in the family. For me this is also a time to remember them. I can’t help all of them but will reach out to those I can. I hope we don’t quickly forget those in need and then move on to our next helping of turkey or take that first piece of pumpkin pie? What is it we can do for those in need?

    Now, as for these guys above in the above image, I don’t think they’re quite as thankful about this time of year. If you look closely you’ll notice how they seem to be edgy, checking things out, not trusting me or any one else. Each step is deliberate. Cautious. Wonder why?

    I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

  • Metro Parks,  Photography

    Wandering Mind

    My Bench

    I have a wandering mind, a traveling mind, one that goes many places. I spent time at Blendon Woods Metro Park the other evening listening to the birds and being away from the bustle of the world of city. I found a bench looking out over a meadow and parked it. I wrote in my journal a few thoughts and feelings but my mind was constantly being distracted. It is a recurring theme for me. Sometimes those thoughts need to be written down as they will tell me more about myself or be the voice of the muse.

  • flowers,  Plants/Nature

    Wet Daisies

    Twins – Inniswood Gardens, Westerville, Ohio

    When I finished this last 4-day trip on Saturday evening all I did when I got home was take off my shoes, unpack and go to bed. I slept well, rose early and headed for a coffee shop to enjoy my latte. After catching up on emails and a few blogs I headed to Blendon Woods Park to listen to the birds and take in the all the smells of nature. What a great way to start my day. Wanted to share these daises with all of you. Hope you have a wonderful week!

  • animals

    Morning Grazing

    Grazing in the grass

    Met this friend at Blendon Woods park last Tuesday morning while on a walk. I watched as he nibbled on the weeds, even got a series of six images where you can see him take in a weed until it disappears. Reminded me of someone eating spaghetti.

  • insects,  Metro Parks

    After the Rain

    Daddy Longlegs

    After a night of rain and lightening the sun popped out around 9:00 in the morning, so off to Blendon Woods park I went. I needed the time at the park as I only had the one day off before heading out for another 4-day trip. When you read this I will be somewhere up there flying around. I had an enjoyable time and found a few things to place in my view finder, such as this Daddy Longlegs.

  • Metro Parks

    A Cold Path

    Blendon Woods

    I enjoy walking along foot paths, with my camera, and taking images as I move along. I took this one a couple of days ago in Blendon Woods Park. It was cold with light snow falling and a nice crisp breeze blowing right through my pants. Brrrrr! Bring on Spring!

  • Plants/Nature

    Anybody Seen It?

    Dusting of Snow

    I’ve been off for two days and not seen the sun. Anybody seen it? Even with a light snow falling and temperatures hovering around freezing, I braved the elements and tramped in the snow at Blendon Woods Park. I decided to put on the 105mm macro and focus in on the dusting of snow on plants. It was actually quite refreshing, something my mind and body needed. However, after about 45 minutes my fingers began to get cold. Since I can’t work too long in the cold, I surf the net to enjoy images of ice like these by Mark Graf. Please check out his gallery of ice patterns. Anyway, back to my original question, anyone seen the sun?

  • landscape,  Metro Parks

    Cups of Snow

    Cups of Snow

    We had a dusting of snow a couple of days ago. I must admit I do enjoy watching it snow, so quiet and peaceful. However, I’m not a fan of shoveling and driving in it nor do I enjoy the cold temperatures that come with it. As the years of my life continue to increase, I am not able to stand up to the cold as I once did. Today, I felt the urge to venture out into it so I bundled up and made my way over to Blendon Woods Park. There I found nature had added to its beauty with its light brushing of snow. Brown leaves, curled by autumns frosts, had formed small cups where nature had quietly filled them with snow. I love how nature is always providing us the opportunities to enjoy it and if you have your camera, even create a few images.

    If you hadn’t noticed I added a few snow flakes to my blog. If your so inclined to also add a few more flakes to your’s, here is the link on how it’s done.