This and That

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds around us.

I love going out and seeing what I can find to capture.

Seeing a Black-billed Magpie on this fence line, was reason enough to stop the car and try for a shot. I was pleasantly surprised when he didn't fly away immediately.One shot was all I got, but at least I got that one.

In early summer, I had some baskets of flowers that were blooming profusely. The Monarch butterfly seemed to enjoy them as much as I did.

By now those baskets of beauty have all dried to a crisp and been tossed out. the severe drought has led to an order not to water anything except a vegetable garden.

I have been thankful for a few hardy Geraniums that are almost dead, but still manage to put out a flower now and then.

 

While out and about I was greeted by this pretty face.He seemed very serious and I was thankful that he was in a fence and I was in my car.

I think he was doing his best to ignore the old lady with a camera. I snapped this shot and left him to enjoy the green grass by himself.

Something to remember:

Kindness doesn’t cost anything, yet it’s the richest gift you can give.

Pileated Woodpecker

The following pictures have been hiding on my computer since late May of this year. 

If you don't care for birds, now would be a good time to go do something else, for the rest of you, here are a series of Pileated Woodpecker shots.

I had spent quite some time wandering around in our local park and was on my way back to my car and home, when a kind lady alerted me to "that big woodpecker" in a tree nearby.

I cautiously approached the tree and realized quickly that this big woodpecker was more concerned about getting a morsel of food than about me.

He, and yes this is a male, the red moustache tells me that, has been very busy for quite some time

As I was watching and clicking away with my camera, I slowly moved closer.At one point he decided to get a look at me,  but soon went back to his feeding.

Seeing this bird up close, one really sees the size. He is one big woodpecker.

None of these photos have been cropped, so it shows how close I was. I think I had a smile on my face throughout the whole time.

 Sometimes it all just works out. I left the park with thankfulness on my heart. Had this lady not made me aware of it, I would have missed this opportunity, and she left not knowing how much I appreciated having this chance.

Unexpected Sunset Beauty

These photos are from some time ago, but the beauty remains. I am pairing them up with lyrics from an old hymn. At time we all feel like we are in a storm. May these words bring hope and comfort.

The song title is:

Till The Storm Passes By

“In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Many times Satan whispered

There is no use to try

For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by” 

Jesus is our shelter in the storm of life.

 

Perfect Skies

Beautiful blue skies filled with puffy white clouds, that is a winning combination in my mind.

Since we are stepping into August, this seems like a perfect time to share these images. note the green grass, yeah, it doesn't look like that any longer.

All these images were captured within a few miles of where I live. I may not have the privilege of travelling far, but I can usually find beauty wherever I am.

I trust that your summer is filled with fun activities and peaceful moments to capture the beauty around you.

I have been kept busy with ongoing renovations in my house, but I have also taken time to get out and enjoy the beauties of nature.

Seeing those blue skies makes me more aware of the lack of them recently. The smoke from fires many miles north of us, has filled the sky and caused it to look overcast on most days. 

As you greet each new day or each new. month:

Have Faith,Stay strong,

and Keep On Believing

 

Bejeweled

Earlier in the year we had some rain, not a heavy rain, but just enough to decorate the plants.

When I saw what was happening, I gabbed my camera and headed outside.

The leaves of the Wild Rose on my yard, which are usually quite ordinary, suddenly became artwork.

Not to be outdone, the Honeysuckle shrub also was adorned with raindrop jewels.

Still the Honeysuckle, but from a different angle. beauty was everywhere.

Every little pine needle also shone with tiny jewels of rain.

When I turned around, I noticed that the young Oak leaves had perfect droplets on them.

This was one of those moments that I had a hard time knowing when to stop shooting.

So much beauty and just how could I capture it at its best.

Think About It;

In  photographs we stop time and enable the viewer to pay closer attention to the details of simple everyday occurrences we so easily walk by without seeing.

I have copied this from a friend,Valerie Acee

 

Spring On My Yard

I know we are fully into summer, but I still have some spring photos to share. 

Sitting at my house in spring, I never know which birds will show up.

For a period in spring the Common Grackles are around. I admit that I really don't like them around, as they clean out a bird feeder in record time. Having said that, they are still a beautiful bird.

This spring I had a large number of Pine Siskins around. They may be small and more drab in color, but their cheery twitter is so enjoyable .

Of course when the American Goldfinches arrive, there is no lack of color.

One of the flowers that usually performs well for me are the Geraniums . I did have several plants, but due to water restrictions , they are all slowly dying. I am thankful I got some pictures while they still looked good.

Isn't that a cheery color?

Something To Think About;

Just keep taking the next step and you can take any mountain. 

The Beauty Of Spring Flowers

I have been missing in action for a while, but it is time to get back to more regular blogging.

All is well at my place, I have just been busy with other things.

A hot summer day is as good a day to look at spring flowers as any.

Step back with me into May of this year and enjoy some refreshing spring sightings.

The city off Morden is home to many Ornamental Apple trees. Actually many of the varieties have been bred right here in Morden at the Research Station.

A tree covered in these bright flowers is sure to bring joy to most everyone.

As the new leaves emerge, they are so delicate and even the humble Oak is pretty.

These white flowers are on my on my Goodland apple tree. This is another tree that has been developed in Morden.

Every spring brings with it the beautiful Lilac blossoms. Each flower is very simple but together they make a striking display, filled with a lovely fragrance.

When my apple tree is loaded with blossoms, I must capture yet another shot. Again, these flowers are not brightly coloured, or fancy, but they sure are pretty. Because of our severe drought situation, my apple tree may be full of small fruit now, but I am fairly certain it will not develop properly.

I think we can learn something from these flowers.

You and I may feel small, plain and insignificant alone, but when we join with those around us, we become a beautiful bouquet.

 

A Blue Heron Sort of Day

On this last day of June, I will share some pictures that brought a smile to my face. For years I have wished for some good photos of a Great Blue Heron. On May 11, 2021 my wish came true. Of course there are many photos out there which are much better than mine, but I am happy with these.

These are two different birds in two different locations, but all near the Pembina Valley.

A stop at the Kaleida Marsh, at first was disappointing ,but driving down the road a little further, gave me the next two shots. Well, actually I got many more but will only show these two today.

This bird seems to be all neck and wings. Not much of a body.

A leisurely drive through the valley, resulted in another fairly cooperative Heron.

This fella was intent on fishing, and paid no attention to me.

Once again, I got many pictures, but will only show a few.

After several attempts at catching supper, he decided to relocate .

The evening light was a bonus on these shots.

My camera kept on clicking and I am pretty sure I was smiling through it all.

Yes, these are slightly cropped, but still pleasing to me.

On another note, as of June 30, 2021, I have been officially retired for one year.

I have not regretted that decision for one single minute.

Retirement suits me just fine.

To God be the Glory!

 

Blue-winged Teal Take-off

On a recent visit to the Discovery Nature Sanctuary at Winkler, I had the joy of capturing a series of photos of the Blue-Winged Teal on take-off.

In a perfect world the bird would be flying into the pictures, but we all know that we don't live in a perfect world.

Enjoy the photos and a few quotes I found online.

 “Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?”

“The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.”

 “Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive.” 

 “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” 

“The birds, the moon and the clouds have an important mission: To make mankind turn their eyes towards the skies! And so man can leave his own little local world and focus on something bigger, the universe!”

 Think About It:

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. 

Of how much more value are you than the birds!

Luke 12:24 ESV

Southern Manitoba Sunset

It is no secret that I enjoy going to Lake Minniwasta at sunset, so today I share another one of those evenings with you.

The light was already getting low, when these ducks, possibly Redheads, flew across the lake.

The calmness of the evening was beautiful and having a kayak on the water was just the perfect accent.

Those deep, rich colors are so lovely.

The sun is fast slipping down below the horizon. Can you feel the calm of that evening? All troubles slowly melt away.

And so another day has ended. That orange sky will soon turn dark and the stars will come out.

Here is a prayer you may want to make your own.

Lord, please calm my heart and soul.

So many things are out of my control 

and I need Your love to soothe me and calm me.

Your love lets me know it will be OK.