Category: Uncategorized

A View of the Moon

Here is a view of the moon from my backyard.
Granted it was not taken recently. 
The moon today looks the same as it did back then.
Granted from this distance differences might be hard to detect.

My backyard has changed since then.
The picture you see here shows no detail 
of the trees in the dark.
Today the moon might not be visible from the point where I was standing.
Trees grow bigger and wider and can obstruct our view of the sky and moon.

I can still see the moon by sitting in certain locations.
To get a really good view of the moon from all directions 
I would need to leave my backyard.

I am at a point in time where searching for the perfect view 
is not always important in the grand scheme of things.

I am content to look at the gorgeous pictures captured by others.
Home is where I am needed the most.

Pyracantha

Can you see those thorns? The female cardinal is not intimidated.She patiently waits for those green berries to turn the color of fire orange.This shrub can grow up fairly tall, though the branches are spindly and can curve if not trained to grow upon a trellis or wall. This plant can be very lovely if it is espaliered. It was in my garden already growing wild before I discovered it. It is gone now.

I might consider bringing one back. However, much thought would need to be given as to where it could grow and be enjoyed by the birds, and yet minimize my risk of getting pricked. It is a member of the rose family.

Keep Calm

My summer vacation is winding down.

Vacation is a misnomer.

My tasks simply change.

No complaints here.

The moon has been putting on a show this week until tonight.

All I see is clouds now. This is not a permanent affliction.

Rest assured, the moon is still there.

Sometimes the clouds are welcomed.

Weather comes and goes. It has its own agenda.

Patience is required.

Tomorrow is a new day.

A Young Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is rather big for a backyard bird.
Its vibrant blue stands out and draws attention.
They love the peanuts and will come close to retrieve them.
They can be rather loud and raucous.
This summer they have been tame compared to the grackles.
Several of them, possibly a family or two have been visiting regularly.
They all have been unusually polite...so far.
The squirrels have been the bravest and most persistent.

I have three favorite coffee mugs. One is a blue jay, 
one is a dragonfly,
and the 3rd is a hummingbird. I think I need to find a squirrel mug.
Today I saw my first hummingbird for the summer of '23.
It came close to the kitchen window to make sure I noticed it had arrived.
I don't put out the sugar water until I see the first one.
The red flower feeder is clean and ready to be filled

Hiding in the Petals

Back in the day I spent hours photographing the minuscule 
life in my garden.
Above you can see a dahlia home for a spider family. 
In the large file image you can see that the daddy 
has dragged home something for his babies to snack on.
I hope in this smaller file you can see this detail.
The snack is white, almost  transparent.
Here is an another image I captured in a nearby flower.
Perhaps the aliens are already here hiding in our gardens.
This one looks harmless to me. 
It might be his baby that the spiders are going to eat.
In the natural world you have to eat or be eaten.
Everything is eventually recycled.

Let us take another look at our friendly hoverfly.
Here it is having fun between the sheets(petals) of a peony.

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

The swirls & whirls of the center disk contain multiple florets.
Their colors range from green to orange to brown.
The pink rays surround the disk & lighten up the garden.
Many insects come to feast on this flower's nectar.
Pictured above you can see an innocent hoverfly has come to visit.
It is harmless to humans & does not sting.
It is a beneficial insect. 
The adult feeds on flowers & can pollinate some.
Its larvae, which is its immature phase, is nearly invisible.
The larvae feeds on aphids, & by doing this it helps the gardener.