19-FEB-2017
Our First Rhody of the Year!
We have one rhododendron bush in the front yard that always blooms in February, the first one of our several rhododendrons to bloom. The blossoms could have been there a few days before I even noticed them. This one will fully bloom any day now. There have been years when the bush blossomed out during the first days of the month. I am always pleased that this occurs so early in the year. It gives me hope that spring is almost here.
20-FEB-2017
Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter
We had visitors over the weekend, our granddaughter and her family from Idaho, and our daughter from Nevada. I like triangles, this is a quick grab. There is something about a mother's loving arms!
21-FEB-2017
Squirrels Grow Big in Springfield!
Meet Springs the squirrel, Willamalane Park District mascot. Springs attends grand openings and dedications of parks, and other events. Here you can see him in a video having a good time with the talented members of AcroYoga:
Press here for Link
22-FEB-2017
Pretty Redhead
Bet I got your attention with that title! :) Well, this striking Downy Woodpecker is a redhead, and he is a pretty little fellow. He graciously posed for me at Delta Ponds.
Even though Downy Woodpeckers can be attracted to bird feeders, they can be difficult to photograph in the wild. We can spot them best in winter when the trees and shrubs are bare. But even then, they are not conspicuous. At the slightest movement, they can quickly disappear behind branches or fly away. And as they feed in the trees, they are constantly on the move, making it difficult to get one to stay in one position as this one did for me.
27-JAN-2017
Quit Your Bellyaching!
It looks like this Great Blue Heron in Delta Ponds is complaining about something. It couldn't be me, I wasn't that close! I liked the lighting and they golden bushes in the scene.
24-FEB-2017
"Celebrate Hummingbirds"
Hummingbirds are such charming little birds! I love to see and watch them wherever I can find them. I saw this one a Delta Ponds this morning and was thrilled all over again. The thrill never goes away.
I found this Audubon link to "Celebrate Hummingbirds - Learn more about these birds and how you can help them." According to the information there, hummingbirds are in need of your help. It's an interesting site:
25-FEB-2017
Willamette River on a Cold Morning
It was cold and frosty when I visited Clearwater Park to shoot this view of the Willamette River at sunrise. There was a slight touch of fog over the river. I found the colors pleasing and the chill in the air invigorated me. Of course, it didn't take me long to wish for the warmth of home and a hot cup of coffee. :)
26-FEB-2017
Threatening!
As I took my morning walk I noticed this huge cloud building up to the east. Notice the nice blue sky and sunshine on the left in the photo. It was pretty nice when I left home and I thought it would be a pleasant walk. However, I did get rained on before I got home. I was only a little over halfway through my loop so had a ways to go on a two mile walk. You can see how dark it is in the lower right hand of the photo. Still, it was a good walk. And hey, I wouldn't have got this picture if I hadn't gone out. :)
27-FEB-2017
Eagle Sightings
There have been several sightings of Bald Eagles during the past month or so. So they are back, and I am sure they will be nesting before too long. The eagle is such a magnificent bird! And to think that Benjamin Franklin's choice for national bird of the USA was the turkey! Of course, a tom turkey in full display can be impressive. :) But the Bald Eagle really stands out for its regal beauty.
28-FEB-2017
1931 Graham-Paige Sedan
I took a rainy day drive on Territorial Road west of Eugene this morning. I had plans for a good energetic walk, which I need, but got sidetracked. It turned out to be a good thing because of the rain. Anyway, on my drive I came across this old 1931 Graham-Paige model 620, according to what I can find online. I had a fine visit with the homeowner who said it was a 1931 model. He plans on restoring it, said a fellow stopped by and offered him $3000 cash for it, which he refused.
"In August 1930 production began on the first series 1931 models, continuations of the current line plus some leftover 621's. When the "real" 1931 models appeared in January, the line was sharply reduced: Standard and Special Sixes remained, but the top-line Custom 834 was merely a reworked 1930 Special Eight. New was the Special 820, with the smallest eight Graham had yet offered: 3 1/8 x 4-inch bore and stroke, 245.4 cubic inches, 85 bhp, an engine that would serve as the basic eight through 1935. Prices were reduced all round: the most expensive car was the Custom 834 limousine at $2095, versus $4055 for 1930's Custom Eight 137 Lebaron town car. A new synchro-silent four-speed transmission was offered, with helically geared third and silent engagement of third and fourth. Freewheeling, that automotive fad of the early Thirties, was available later in the year. Styling refinements included a vee'd vertical bar chrome grille and single bar bumpers. Word of the new series was sent over the air waves by the Columbia Broadcasting System every Sunday evening, when one could hear poet Edgar Guest and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on the Graham Radio Hour."
"Like everyone else, the Grahams attempted at first to reply to the Depression with a less expensive car, introducing their new "Prosperity Six" in the spring of' 1931. Except for a two-inch shorter wheelbase and a smaller, 70 bhp six, the new car was identical to the Standard Six. But at $785 for the coupe, Prosperity Six was the cheapest car ever offered by Graham-Paige. It made little difference, production continued to fall, totaling only 20,428 for 1931."
01-MAR-2017
Standoff?
When I first saw the Great Egret below Fern Ridge Dam, I didn't see the Great Blue Heron. I really liked the big rock the egret perched on so that drew my attention. Then I saw the heron across the water. I thought they were likely at a standoff over that spot. From what I usually see at Delta Ponds, the herons usually chase the egrets away if they get into the area where the heron usually hunts for prey. But this is normally unclaimed territory. Eventually, while I was looking elsewhere, it was the heron that flew away. Maybe they were friends after all. :)
02-MAR-2017
Yard Decoration
Believe it or not, this realistic cow is in front of a house about ten blocks from us. I pass it occasionally when on a neighborhood walk. This time I stopped to get a shot of "Bessie" (that's my name for her). She is a good cow, no trouble at all to feed and doesn't leave a mess, the perfect pet! They don't even have to tie her up, though to be safe they did put a bell on her. :)