12-DEC-2017
Tree Removal Outfit
We had a tree at our new home that leaned toward the south end of the house where two bedrooms are located. I could just picture a high wind storm, which we do have, coming along and causing the tree to fall, or else an ice storm that would bring limbs or the whole tree down on the house. Problem solved! I had the tree removed. It was fun to watch the pro's at work. This is the truck that was used for the job. A great looking truck and a big investment for the owner, Chris. I have known Chris for several years, and he does top notch work. He and his crew (two other guys) got the tree down in short order! Well done, guys!
13-DEC-2017
Tree in the Wetlands
I couldn't help but photograph this lonely tree out in the wetlands of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I think the layers of land, water, hills and sky add an element of interest. But the little tree dominates the scene resulting in a nice composition, to my way of thinking anyway. If you look closely you can see a flock of geese in the sky.
16-DEC-2017
Some of my photos of Mill Race Path
During this fall I spent time shooting pictures of newly opened Mill Race Path in Springfield. Here are some of the photos as they appear on an information sign along the trail. There are lots of opportunities for pictures on Mill Race Path.
17-DEC-2017
White-breasted Nuthatch
This bird looks very much like the pictures of the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher I have in bird books. But I learned it is a White-breasted Nuthatch, which my book does not have a good picture for. Thanks for the help with the ID! The P900 did a pretty good job capturing it.
18-DEC-2017
A Hole in the Sky!
I had time for a short walk in the wildlife area this morning and saw this break in the clouds. I liked the colors that appeared. Up to then it was a dreary, cloudy morning. This change brightened my day. It really did look like a hole in the sky. :)
19-DEC-2017
When Angie Bought Goldie
I haven't posted this photo of Goldie shot when Angie bought her. With Angie and Goldie here is Dale, the really nice guy that Angie got her from. Dale came west to Oregon because of his love for horses and the western way. Along with Angie, we are enjoying beautiful Goldie very much and we now get to see her every day, Thank you, Dale, for letting her go!
20-DEC-2017
Light Streak Over Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
It rained over an inch yesterday and we had a good amount today. But there is one benefit from the rainy mornings we have been having, that is the lovely sunrises with sunbreaks in a dark cloudy sky. I was quite attracted to this sliver of light that broke through during my visit. If you look closely, you will see trees on top of a low hill in the wide patch on the right end of the light streak. I got three or so nice shots of it and had a difficult time picking one. Carol helped me settle on this one. :)
23-DEC-2017
Clouds Over the Wetlands
In the absence of wildlife sightings, I am enjoying so much the magnificent wetlands scenery in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and the opportunity to photograph some landscape pictures. Those wonderful clouds over the wetlands and green walkway I found overwhelmingly beautiful. Hope you like them too!
24-DEC-2017
A Beautiful Yellow-rumped Warbler
This is a pretty little Yellow-rumped Warbler seen at Delta Ponds earlier this year. I always enjoy capturing the small active birds. They are so difficult to find and then get a shot when they are not moving! I was pleased to get this photo.
25-DEC-2017
Early Light
This view of the wildlife area looked better in early light. Colors stood out more, as did the trees. Thankfully, the day was still dark, due to short days of winter and low position of the sun. I think the directional light made the scene look much better. It was worth the trip out there.
27-DEC-2017
My Favorite Girl, 3rd grade picture!
I had to work a while to resurrect this old photograph of Carol. It had some of the marks that comes from years of use and abuse. It was her third grade picture. Of course, that was long before I knew her. Well, it was actually only about seven years before I first met her, but I didn't really get to know her then either, at 15. That was in about 1957. It was three years later, in 1960 that I really took notice and we started dating. We were married the next year, May 13, 1961. And I think I would have noticed that cute little girl in the third grade back then too, but only as a cute kid. :)
28-DEC-2017
True love!
There is a special bond between Carol and her dog, Miko! Just don't get between them! He might bite you! :) I say Carol is his queen, and I am his slave! :) Actually, he is really a good companion for us both, filling our lives with enjoyment. He is my little traveling buddy, anytime I put my hat on to go somewhere in the car, he is dancing at my feet wanting to go!