Nature Along The Back Roads

A drive around the back roads of southern Manitoba usually yields some pretty scenes.

These pictures may have been taken a month or more ago, but as we step into August, their beauty is still relevant today.

Even an old fence line is picturesque in it's own way.

In spring when the Lady Slippers come into bloom, there are pockets of treasure like this in some ditches.

Sometimes it may be an individual flower, but just as often it can be a wider scene with billowing clouds.

A lone Tree Swallow shows his colourful backside. I don't think he liked me there, as he was protecting a nearby nest box.

Back on my own yard, I am amazed at the delicate beauty of the Honeysuckle.

Something To Think About:

Maker of heaven and earth, when I pause and reflect, Your provision for and protection of me is overwhelming. May my life be a continuous song of praise to You for as long as I live.

 

One day In June

Around the middle of June, my sister and I needed to go to Winnipeg. Once we had done what was needed, we turned the rest of the day into a fun outing.

It was close enough to my birthday to celebrate as we have for the last several years. No gifts, but rather going out for a special ice-cream treat. This year it was at the Bridge Drive In in Winnipeg.BDI has been in business since 1957, and I now know why. The ice-cream was delicious and very large.  No, no pictures of the delicious treat, but after the ice-cream was consumed, we needed to go for a walk.

The Red River is still very high this year, but it sure made for some pretty scenes.

This is the bridge which spans the river. At one point this was used for vehicles, but is now strictly a pedestrian bridge.

From here we headed to the Assiniboine Park and the English Gardens.

The ornamental  crab apple trees were in full bloom and so beautiful.

In another part of the gardens I found these pretty Bleeding Hearts putting on a lovely show.

Always be prepared for the unexpected. Four White Pelicans came silently soaring over the park. I was only able to get a good shot of one, but it is so pretty against that blue sky.

Something To Think About:

If you can retreat to a serene spot in nature—wonderful! If that’s not possible, retreat with Jesus wherever you can. He will meet you there.  

Looking Up or Down, Beauty All Around

 As most of you know, I am always looking for the beauty in nature. Maybe my mind works differently than most, I'm pretty sure it does, but I see so much beauty.

Just a simple look up at the sky and I saw this delicate cloud structure. Those feathery wisps of white against the blue sky are so lovely.

Oh, but we must not forget to look down as well. Those fluffy ducklings are adorable.

There is always the stunning beauty of the male Mallard. Yes, I have hundreds of photos of Mallards, but I know I will continue to capture more.

Another beautiful duck is the male Wood Duck. Will I ever get enough photos of this one? I really don't think so, because the next one I get may be the perfect one, so I keep on shooting.

Did I mention the beauty of the ducklings swimming in a sea, or pond of green? 

Something To Think About:

Art isn’t about perfection.

It’s about being brave enough to try.

Life is too.

The Beauty Of Nature

Nature has such variety for us to enjoy.

No, let me rephrase that, God has created so much beauty for us to enjoy.

We just happen to call it nature.

The blue of the sky, the fresh green leaves and a few bubbling clouds, combine to give a pleasing photo.

When we had a deluge of rain, the already waterlogged ground just couldn't take any more. 

These trees were standing in a lake of water, a place which usually is dry.

Even during times like that we can still see beauty.

On the other side of the road, a couple of Eastern Kingbirds were very cooperative. These birds often take off as soon as I stop the car, but this time they allowed me multiple shots.

Somehow, I sensed that this bird was about to take off, so I kept my lens on him and was ready to press the shutter button and hold it down for a while.

Of the many images I captured that day, this is by far my favourite.

To Think About:

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

 

I Figured It Out

For some time now, I have noticed a lack of birds on my yard. Where there used to be so many birds, that the feeders needed filling constantly, now, it is almost rare to see a bird at the feeder.

This Thrush passed through in early spring and posed just long enough for me to get a shot.

Thankfully, even though I don't have many birds, the evening sky often is painted in the most beautiful colors.

Sitting, proudly atop one of the spruce trees is the culprit who is discouraging the other birds.

This  Merlin and his mate have set up housekeeping in a nearby tree.Yes, their family needs food, but do they have to get that food on my yard? I miss my birds.

I will say that the Merlin is a beautiful bird. Since he seems to be the only bird around for most of the time, I will get photos of him.

There was a time when the yard was full of Goldfinches as well as other birds, but this spring I have seen just a couple.

I guess I must look on the bright side, at least I'm not spending large amounts of money on bird food.

 To Think About:

Lord, use me today to bring someone hope, a lighter burden, encouragement.