Sunday, November 23, 2014

Scenic Lake Minniwasta

In looking back through some of my photos,I couldn't help but be surprised that I had not shared these before,so here goes. I know we are stepping back a month or so,but the beauty remains the same.

Lake Minniwasta is a small lake,as lakes go,but it is the main source of water for the City of Morden.Aside from that,it is also a place of great beauty.
This is the road leading to the back,where the canoe launch is located.



A short walk through the trees and I can find this beautiful spot.I have stood at this place so many times,yet each time I am in awe again,at the beauty I can find there.


At the canoe launch site,which is a gently sloped,graveled area,one can walk right up to or even into the water.Since I am not a water person,I stand at the edge and get my pictures.
Gentle waves lapping at the shore create a peaceful scene.


The sun creates a path of diamond across the lake.I love how this particular time they actually looked like stars on the water.



I tried to get up close and personal with the water and still keep my feet and camera dry. The camera was of more importance than my feet.
A small wave breaks at the shore and gives me a picture I really enjoy.


I hope you enjoyed visiting 'my' lake once again.Let's do it again soon.


There is so much beauty in the world,
but you must allow yourself to see it.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Start of Christmas 2014

At my house the Christmas trees go up early,maybe too early for some,but I like to have them up early and then once December 26 rolls around,I am ready to turn my house back to normal.
This year it was on November 7th that Steve and Kai came over to help set up my two trees.I need to clarify this,I put the trees where I wanted them and put the ribbon on them,Kai did all the decorating and as she put it,'Daddy can just sit there and watch'. 
Well Steve found something to do,he grabbed my camera and took a few shots while she worked.

That intense look on her face says that each ornament,no matter how small,must be hung at just the right place.


This little Reindeer has been in my home for many years and always gets a special spot on the tree.After the decorating is done,it becomes a game to see where the reindeer will be hiding and what may be in it's mouth.


Just to prove that the reindeer can open it's mouth when you squeeze his cheeks.

 This is tree one with red and white .

And tree two with pink and white.


The trees came pre-lit and even the bases are pretty.The lights flicker and make it look like stars twinkling.


This is a close-up of the stars in the base.


Whether you are preparing for Christmas or Thanksgiving in the US or any other event,remember:
Invest the time,talent and resources God has given you this day.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

A Birthday Surprise and a Photo Ride

On October 25,I was called upon to help surprise my friend of many years.Her birthday is October 29,but her daughter decided to give her a surprise 65th birthday party on the 25th. My job was to get her out of the house for a while,so the house could be readied and the guests could arrive.

I decided to take her with me on a photography ride.We headed north and west of Morden.Here are a few pictures from that ride.

Before I go any further,let me say,we did surprise her,but I was surprised as well when I found that she enjoyed the photography almost as much as I did.

The first stop was at the old railroad bridge,which has been shown on this blog a few times before.
You can see that the trees are bare,but the bridge still was photogenic.

Along the side of the road we found a few Milkweed pods bursting with ripe seeds.

 We made our way to a valley still further north.This is called the St. Lupicin area and is very picturesque. The white bark on this stand of birch trees caught my attention.

A little further down the road was this scene and I knew I needed to get a picture of it.I like the old broken down tree and the blue sky background.


I had to stop and get this picture of the bare trees and the blue sky.

 It was a fun few hours,but by now I needed to get the honoured guest home to the party. I knew we would be late,but hurried home as best I could,without giving any clue as to what was happening.
Once we turned down her street,she saw some cars which she recognized and wanted to know if I had been asked to take her away for a while. I had to confess,but it was still somewhat of a surprise for her. Happy Birthday Hannah,glad I could have a part in celebrating your birthday.


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Going Back on My Word

In my last post I stated that those would be the last pictures of fall 2014.
Guess what? I found that I had 10 more pictures ready and waiting to be posted, SO, since I am a woman and I have the right to change my mind,here are some more fall photos.
You may laugh now or leave the site and come back another time.I do hope you stay for a while,I'll take the laughing. So here goes.


With so many photos,I will keep the words to a minimum.
This tree stands on the neighbours property.Yes,it is standing straight,but just for fun,I held the camera at an angle.


Another angled camera shot.This is in our local park.


Similar to the above,but the camera held correctly.


In our local park.It's a pretty spot most any time of the year.


This is a shrub on my yard.I liked how the sun lit up these leaves.


An early morning at the park,the dew covered all the fallen leaves and made for some gorgeous shots.


The foot bridge across the creek in the park.



Looking down into the creek to capture the fall reflections.


A carpet of leaves makes a pretty scene.This is also at the park.


Here is a close up of the texture of the bark on one of the many trees in the park.


I may have a couple more pictures with fall color,but the next post will certainly show that winter is on the way.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the beauty around you.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Fall Spectacular

Since we are at the mid point of November,this will likely be my last post for this year,of fall pictures. These are all taken on my yard this past fall.


The leaves of the Mountain Ash look really pretty in late fall.


Of course this same tree also sports clusters of bright red berries,so is an attraction for the birds.


Even the apple tree puts on a bright display in fall.


The soft orange of the Mountain Ash leaves against the blue sky are beautiful to me.


I may see things differently than many do,but a carpet of coloured leaves is a special treat for me.


Creation's design points to the Master Designer.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Roses For You

In my last post I mentioned,finding unexpected photos on my memory card,well,here are a few more.
I had bought myself a bouquet of roses,mainly for the purpose of getting pictures,but also for my enjoyment. I don't think these pictures need any further words,so,enjoy.










Not all of us can do great things,but we can all do small things with GREAT LOVE.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Stepping Back to Find New Images

I recently emptied an older memory card and was surprised by the pictures I found. I did not realize that I had images on there from spring. So,come with me as we step back into spring and look at a few flowers.

It is quite appropriate that I post these images today,as it is the first snowy day we've had so far and what could be more uplifting than flower pictures.

Lilacs a springtime favourite of many,myself included.


The Tulip seems to be the flower of spring.I had a few blooming in my garden this past spring and really enjoyed them.The blurred corners on this image are because the picture was taken through the lattice which surrounds my deck.


This is the same flower as the previous picture.I like looking down into a tulip.The patterns are as lovely on the inside as they are on the outside. This is like some people.They are beautiful on the outside but just as beautiful on the inside.

The simple flower of the Geranium is still beautiful.

I am not even sure what the name of this flower is,but I do know that I like their bright and cheery color.

Here is a quote which I really like and I trust it encourages some of you.

When you are at your weakest,God is strong.
When you are down,God can lift you up.
When all seems lost,God will help you win.
Strength is available when you need it.
BELIEVE IT. EMBRACE IT. RELY ON IT.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

ONE LEAF AT A TIME

I am still working my through some fall pictures before the snows come and I transition to winter.
As I wandered around my yard,I was impressed with the beauty of individual leaves.


A lone Maple leaf highlighted by the sun. This is from a tree in the middle of my yard called a Silver Maple.


A reddish Amur Maple leaf cuddled up with a few other leaves.


This is a large leaf from one of my Hostas. In summer it is a bright green,but has now changed into it's fall color.


You must know by now that I enjoy the three Amur Maple trees I have at the edge of my yard.


One of those trees gives me more yellow than red,but all are beautiful.


Here is a quote you may need to be reminded of:
You are a masterpiece,you are hand picked by God,you are loved,you are a person of extreme value and significance.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Leaves and Loves in My Life

It's November 1st.Seems like it was just October 1st,but that's ok. Life is moving along in a normal way and I have learned that normal is good.



I still have  a few more pictures to share that were taken around the middle of October,so here goes.
I enjoyed my Mums,which I purchased in early October,they added a splash of color to my front door.


I am always looking for bright color,but when I saw these subtle leaves They caught my attention with their gentle beauty.


The Maple tree standing in the middle of my yard is so pretty,through all the seasons. 


Steve and Kai were over and Kai found the fallen leaves to be of interest.


Steve ,of course had to get a casual picture of her,and I had to do my duty and capture the moment.


Normally I would have put this picture in the trash,but on second look,I kinda liked how it turned out.It is obviously Kai in the foreground. What I really like are the hooked shapes of bokeh.

Have a beautiful,love filled November.
God is good,all the time.