Paths

In all of life we have to walk down paths.Some are smooth,some are rough,some long and others short,but walk them we must.

I am sharing just three simple pictures today.These were taken on Saturday,May 30,with my iPhone.

In my lifetime,I have walked down a few paths that were not at all enjoyable,but I was always keenly aware that God was walking right there with me.

Some paths seemed almost too much for me to endure,but as I walked I became stronger and the path became easier.

Sometimes,I have walked along a dark path,but then the sun broke through and I was walking toward the sunshine.

I know,that by God's grace I will have more paths to walk down.I also know that not all of them will be in the sunshine,but I am certain that God will walk these paths with me.

Thought for today:

It's not about being the best.

It's about being better than you were yesterday.

May Miscellany

As we come to the end of the month of May,I have some variety shots to share.

All pictures were taken in Winnipeg.

Flowers against the blue sky make for a pleasing picture to me.

I love seeing the Canada Geese flap their wings like this. They must have some strong wing muscles.

That's quite the pose to have while standing in the water,and no doubt on a slippery surface.

One last flap of those large wings,before settling down to swim around the pond.

OK,please forgive me,but I must take reflection pictures and therefore I must share them with you all.

Thought for today:

A true friend is someone who accepts your past,supports your present and encourages your future.

Feathered Friends

I am still posting photos from May 9th,but then,some pictures are not specific to any date.

A friend and I had gone to Winnipeg,specifically to do photography,and although it was somewhat windy and not all that warm,I was happy with the pictures I got.

St.Vital Park is a good place to capture waterfowl pictures. The birds allow people to get closer than at many places.

I have so many Canada Goose photos,but still keep on taking more.This one swam by so lazily.

I love the Wood Ducks,especially the males.They are colourful and always look just a little proud. Now,if I looked that good,I would be tempted to be proud as well.

As with the Canada Geese,I have way too many Mallard photos,but when I see a beautiful male like this one,I have to keep on shooting. This one looks very relaxed,but that was not always the case,that day.

This picture is somewhat blurred,but I still like the action here.There seemed to be constant fighting among either the geese or the ducks that day.

A Ring-billed Gull is indicating that it is time to move on.

I leave these words with you today,may they encourage you today——

God sees you through the eyes of love.

BE ENCOURAGED!

This post is somewhat different from my usual posts. I will share photos and with each picture some words of encouragement that I came across.

God's love is constant.

No matter how you feel,He's there loving you.

There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.

God is our safe place where we can rest and be encouraged.

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Wake each morning with a sense of hope.

God has amazing things in store for you.

And He does all things well.

All photos were taken on May 9,2015,at The English Gardens,Winnipeg,Manitoba.

Paths

I don't know what it is,but I love seeing a path bordered by trees.

Today I share several such photos with you.All the pictures were taken at Ft.Whyte Nature Centre,on May 9,2015.

An old railroad track is now used as a path.

Let's walk down this winding path through the Birch trees.

We will stop for a moment to admire these small yellow flowers,for which I have no name.

New leaves are beginning to emerge on the trees alongside this path.

Bright green new leaves and a blue sky are the perfect compliment to this scene.

Memories are blessings that cling to your steps and go with you into your future.

Ft.Whyte Nature Centre

On May 9,a long time friend(I don't like to say old friend) and I went to Winnipeg to Ft.Whyte Nature Centre. This is not actually in Winnipeg,but very close.

It was a cool day but we still saw some interesting sights.

This Canada Goose was sitting on a nest and didn't pay any attention to us,even though we walked by very close to the nest.

In the marsh  the turtles were trying to warm up in the sun.There were several,but I chose to get a picture of just the one.

I was almost under this Red-winged Blackbird,but still managed a halfway decent shot.

The Burrowing Owls are kept in a large building where they have as close to a natural habitat as possible.

I do believe that I am getting desperate for photos,why else would I take a picture of a squirrel. I have a love/hate relationship with this animal.I do think they are cute,but I really get upset when they take over MY bird feeders.Anyway,this one was at Ft. Whyte and no where near my feeders,so it was OK.

 By the way,this photo is not cropped.He allowed me to get that close.

Thought for today:

I AM NOT LUCKY,I AM BLESSED.

For The Love of Birds

I am a 'Birder' or bird lover.I make no apologies for that,because birds are part of God's creation and in my mind are beautiful and interesting to watch. Today I share a few images of recent bird photos and also one other one.

To start,here is an American Coot.This bird is not colourful,actually kind of drab,but it is still interesting.In this photo,I like the rippled water as much as the bird.

OK,no bird in this shot,but I liked the effect of the water around this large rock.I admit,I see beauty where others would shrug their shoulders and walk away.

On my yard there is a lot more bird activity now and I love it. The White-throated Sparrows are such a welcome sight and sound. Their whistled song fills the air on these cool spring mornings.

My Facebook friends have already seen this picture,but I had to show it again.It was a foggy and cold morning,but I thought that perhaps I could get some unique photos at the lake.I was not expecting to see these guys.These are American Avocets.I had never before seen them at our local lake.I guess they must have wanted a trip to the beach,because this is the beach area of the lake.The beach does need some cleanup before it is ready for the sun bathers.

I love the colouring of these birds and those long legs and upturned bill. In the previous picture you can see the long blue legs.This is quite a stunning bird. To say that I was glad I had gone to the lake that morning,would be an understatement.

God looks forward to blessing you every day.

Live expectantly.

At The Waters Edge

After my last post,I feel it is time to go back to nature.I enjoy watching and photographing the birds,although I seem to be getting less picture of birds than I used to.

The American Coot has not given me too many photo opportunities but this wasn't too bad.

The car works well as a blind,and this bird waited just long enough for me to get a picture,before disappearing into the reeds.

The Ring-billed Gulls,on the other hand,are not shy at all. When I arrived at Lake Minniwasta recently,there were several gulls standing on rocks at the edge of the lake.This particular one allowed me to get out of the car and walk into position to get this photo.

While I was at the waters edge,I noticed a small group of Eared Grebes swimming towards me.This one was close enough for a decent picture. Just a note of interest,I read that a group of Grebes is called a 'water dance'. Did you know that?

I have taken pictures from this particular place many times.I enjoy seeing how the pictures change with the seasons and even the weather.One thing that for me remains the same,is the beauty.

From one spot at the lake I went to the boat dock.I have been there before but for some reason had never noticed how photogenic the actual boat dock could be.The calmness of the water was perhaps a deciding factor on this day.

Here is something worth remembering…..

Don't start your day with the broken pieces of yesterday.

Every day is a fresh start,

Each day is a new beginning.

Every day we wake up is the first day of our new life

Heavy Equipment At Work

As most of you know,I like to take pictures of the beauty of God's creation,be it birds,weather,flowers or landscapes.Well,today the pictures are of a completely different nature.

I woke up on April 27 to some monsters in the field behind my house.OK,so these were not really scary,but they are large.

The foggy morning made them look even more mysterious.

The next day,when the fog had cleared I noticed this equipment sitting quietly in the field.I cannot say for certain,as I have not heard the official news,but I do believe this is the start of construction of a new home for the aged.Our current home is old and too small,so this is welcome news.

 Another giant sitting out there,seemed even more out of place.

I walked closer to get a better shot.Now,that's a man sized truck.We don't often see that size of equipment around here.

I can sit on my deck and watch the action.Yes,a lot of noise in involved but the end will be worth it.I don't really mind have this home come up right in my back yard,so to say.When the construction is done it should be a good neighbour to have.

I will be returning to my normal nature posts in a day or two.