02-OCT-2019
Carol is Doing Better
Carol hasn't been feeling well for a couple weeks. She had an appointment with the heart doctor on Monday and he said she was in A-fib. So he scheduled a cardio-version for yesterday. On Wednesday we went to have her Coumadin level checked at our primary care doctor. When he looked at her he said that he felt he should call an ambulance for her, as she was going into heart failure. So she ended up in the hospital. They did a number of tests there to see if they should do the cardio-version that evening or wait till Thursday as scheduled. The tests were OK and they felt that she was able to handle the procedure that day. The paddles worked and got her heart in rhythm and her blood pressure up where it should be. After she recovered enough we were able to take her home that night. She is weak and tired, but beginning to look and sound better. More rest and time to recover will help a lot. Photo by our granddaughter, Kailey
03-Oct-2019
A Break in the Clouds
This scene greeted me as I got to the north side of Fern Ridge Lake. You are looking south across the lake. I saw clouds above when I went to the store for a prescription. So I figured that if I drove to the north side of the lake I could get those clouds in the picture. It all turned out just the way I wanted it to.
30-Sep-2019
Light in the Forest
I like to look for spots of light areas with contrasting dark areas to add focus to a subject. Here these simple leaves seem to stand out against the tree they are growing from and the darker woods beyond.
29-Sep-2019
Trolling!
This almost does not look like a pelican but that's what it is, trolling for fish. It was the lone one left in Kirk Pond after the rest moved elsewhere. I drove by yesterday and it was no longer there either. In fact, the pond was deserted, no birds at all.
27-Sep-2019
Sunlight Glistens on the Water
The late afternoon sun reflecting on Fern Ridge Lake back in January got my attention, as did those interesting clouds. All in all, I thought it made a pretty scenic. But I had forgotten about the photo and noticed it now.
24-Sep-2019
Look What Just Popped Up!
As I was walking around the property, I was surprised to see these Crocuses that just appeared at the base of a tree. I know they bloom early, sometimes the first flowers I see in late winter or early spring. But hey, it just turned into Fall!
An interesting comment about the appearance of crocuses I found at 'All About Crocus' (
http://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/all-about-crocus): "Crocus can flower any time from late winter to early spring. They appear on the scene very quickly. One day there will be no sign of growth and the next day you may discover them in bloom!" That description fits here precisely.
15-Sep-2019
Pinpoint Landing!
I saw this Green Heron just as it flew away from one spot at Delta Ponds to make a pinpoint landing on a rock in another spot. This small heron is a wary one and moves fast. And it is capable of such precision flight, plus they are expert hunters.
Green Heron population has gone through a gradual decline of over 1.5% per year from 1966 to 2014, everywhere in the US except for California, where their population increased. The biggest threat has been habitat loss through the draining or development of wetlands.
14-Sep-2019
A Bright Spot on the Road
This scene showed up along Kirk Road as I was passing through an area that was shaded by tall trees. The road ahead and the barn beside it stood out in the light. It caught my eye and so ended up as a photograph that I like. Perhaps you will too.
12-Sep-2019
Golden Fields
This is the time of year when the golden grass fields have been cut for hay. It is a pretty time of year. Fall is probably my favorite of the seasons, but they all have their appeal. Of course, we are not officially into Fall yet, but it is sure feeling like Fall here. I need to drive around more and take in the pretty scenery.
22-Aug-2019
Bigmouth!
When a pelican opens its mouth, you really see a mouth! I suppose a hippo can compete with it and a few other forms of wildlife. But the term 'bigmouth' came to my mind when I saw this.
How big is a pelican's mouth? "It can reach 18 inches in length. Underneath the bill, pelicans have throat pouch that can hold 3 gallons of water. Pouch is mainly used for feeding, but it can be also used as a cooling "device". During the warm days, pelican will swing its pouch to cool itself."
http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/pelican_facts/300/
(quote from www.softschools.com. check out their website for more facts about pelicans.)
05-Jun-2019
In The Woods
The woods next door add to our enjoyment of country living. They add shade and cool the air. On the other hand, there is something affecting the fir trees and it appears that some look like they could be dying. I hope not! The woods were planted for use to produce lumber. This could be affected by whatever is affecting the trees. We will see what comes of it.
The woods provide shelter for deer and other wildlife. I throw apples over the fence to feed the deer and see them mornings eating them. They have also come into the yard for apples. So let's hope the woods remain as a welcome part of our surroundings.
04-Sep-2019
Happy Landing!
A large flock of geese came overhead, honking as they flew, and began landing on Fern Ridge Lake. They didn't land as one unified group but rather broke apart into smaller groups, one after one coming in for a smooth, precision landing, one and all! It was a sight to behold, if you like geese as I do! :)
