Flowers To Brighten Your Day

July is about done and August is upon us.Can it really be? This summer is moving along so fast.

The flowers I am sharing today are all taken on my yard.I was careful to take them in such a way that you couldn't see the weeds which need to be pulled. LOL

An overnight shower gave me the chance to capture raindrops on the petals.

I don't have very many lilies,but have saved a few that I really liked. This soft pink is so pretty.

I have always enjoyed the colours of this particular lily.Unfortunately,I do not have names for each of them,but I can still enjoy them.

This pretty flower does not behave really well. It all started with a few plants in our garden many years ago and now both my yard and the neighbour's have far too many of these plants.They grow by underground tubers and therefore are very difficult to get rid of.

Lest someone thinks we shouldn't get rid of these,let me assure you that they take over and choke out all other flowers.

I have finally started growing some Zinnias.An old square wash tub sits beside the deck and it is the perfect spot for a colourful collection of Zinnias.

Flatter me,and I may not believe you.

Criticize me,and I may not like you.

Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.

Encourage me,and I may not forget you.

William Arthur

A Glimpse of the Rocky Mountains

On July 18,my son,Steve and I made a quick road trip to Calgary,Alberta,to visit family who are dealing with serious illness. The trip was not a vacation as we made the 14+ hour drive in one day,then spent the next day with family at the hospital and on Sunday we again made the return trip in one long day.

We took a few minutes on Saturday morning to drive west of the city to get a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. I had not seen that much of the mountains for at least 26 years,so it was a thrill.

It was a cloudy morning so the mountains were not in clear view,but it was enough to make me wish I could go closer.

You all know me,when given a chance I will get a picture of the photographer. You can also see that we just stopped at the side of a busy highway to get a few images.

Thank goodness for a telephoto lens.I could get the mountains a little closer.I love all the layers in this shot.

Oh,I love these mountains.The only downside on this day was that we needed to turn around and go back to the hospital.Don't get me wrong,I wanted to go see my SIL and spend time with her,as those days may be limited.

One last look at these majestic mountains.Perhaps some day I can go there and spend more time in the heart of these mountains.

The verse that comes to mind when I look at a scene like this is Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth.

Buffalo Farm

Time to share another blog post. Today's post is very different from my usual subjects.No flowers or birds today,but rest assured,they will be back.

One mile west of my home town is a Buffalo farm.I think these animals are raised for the meat.I know that at our Corn and Apple Festival in the end of August,one can get Buffalo burgers.Others tell me they are good,but I can't speak from experience,as I have never tried one.

I had the opportunity to photograph some of these animals the other day.I think they are beautiful in their own rugged way.

Of course the babies are always cute.This little fella seemed to be curious about me,but I really didn't want him too close,because I had no desire to upset the Mama,or the Daddy.

I felt like I was getting the evil eye from this one.My only consolation was that there was a sturdy fence between me and him.

This one also seemed to look right through me.Notice the heavy steel gate.That was the only reason I was there.You see,I am a big chicken when it comes to large farm animals. I grew up on a small farm,but never liked being near the cows.We didn't have horses and that was fine with me.I think they are beautiful,from a distance.

A telephoto lens was a good choice for this Daddy Buffalo.They have such a serious look about them,that I want them to be contented and a safe distance away from me.

A quote from Charles Lindbergh:

In wilderness I sense the miracle of life,

and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.

Canada's Gospel Music Celebration 2014

July 10-12,2014 the air was filled with Southern a Gospel music. I was thrilled to be in the audience once again.

The large arena was filled with many Gospel music fans. Everyone was there for the same reason,so it felt like a big old family gathering.

It would be hard to pick a favorite part,but the Jubilee Showcase with Greater Vision,The Booth Brothers and Legacy Five was one of my favorite moments. These three groups are all good on their own,and together they sound amazing.

Having my picture taken with Micheal Booth was not bad.For those who have seen him,you know that he is a man of a God but full of mischief.

Getting to sit down and have a nice chat with Matt Fouch of Legacy Five was very special.

This is not the best quality picture but I liked that quizzical look on his face.

It is good to be back home,but I'm already waiting for the next musical event.

This weekend I need to go visit a sister-in-law who is very ill. This will not be a fun time,but one that I need to and want to do.

God's grace is sufficient to meet every need.

Happy 4th of July to My Friends in the USA

I have small mushrooms growing on my yard this year,in abundance. They are likely not edible but they are good for photos.

Steve was out there getting up close and personal with some of these fungi.

I later went and got a shot of what he was shooting.This little turned up mushroom was indeed photogenic.

This year is also the year that I have some decent looking Zinnias.This old-fashioned flower is as pretty today as it was so many years ago.

A few Dianthus plants are struggling to bloom,but perhaps with some more sunshine they will get their act together. I do like the details in these small flowers.

In playing with the new camera,I am getting pictures I would not have be able to get with the others.

This is a Geranium bud.

I will be away from blogland for a while,so no new posts and no comments from me for this time.

For those who wish to follow me,I will be posting updates on Facebook.

Thought for Today:

Everyone needs beauty as well as bread,places to play in and pray in,

where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.

John Muir

Birds of Summer

I have been anxious to try my new camera on birds.Well,I have not had any chances at birds in flight but a few have shown up on my yard and along the road.

On a recent warm and sunny day,this Robin tried his best to get all the sunshine he could. I don't know if birds sunbathe,but it sure looked like that is what he was doing.

After a while it seemed that something was not quite right on that wing,so he worked at it,trying to make it better.

Ahhh,that feels better,now on to enjoying that sunshine.

The House Wren has set up homemaking at this little house just a few feet from my door.I do enjoy having these birds around,even when he starts singing at much too early in the morning.4AM is not the time that I appreciate his song the most. 

A drive out of town the other day gave me a chance at this Western Meadowlark.I wish he had been closer,but this was the best I could do.

I don't see as many birds around now as in early spring,but I know that is because they are busy raising their young.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.