26-Mar-2020
Cloud Giving Me The Eye!
On a recent sunny day I got out for a walk around the place and down the road a piece. When I approached the fence, Carol and Angie's horse, Cloud, came to the fence for a snack. Sure, I gave him a handout of hay! With his eye condition, Cloud has limited vision, so he tried a close up look at me. He dropped his head and went back to eating hay. I just wasn't interesting enough!
23-Mar-2020
Low Clouds Over the Lake
I love this recent view of Fern Ridge Lake with beautiful clouds hanging low over the horizon. Imagine you are sitting in your living room in front of a large window, staying home as directed, and enjoying the scene.
20-Mar-2020
Stormy Days Upon Us!
The weather lately has been pretty good, days getting warmer with cold mornings. We have had periods of sunshine and then clouds. Rain is predicted for a day or two now.
On the world pandemic front, the days are stormy and, instead of running it's course, COVID-19 is spreading widely. Everyone needs to follow the recommendations and restrictions imposed, and some need to please stop hoarding so that the rest of us can have what we need. 'Pestilence is one of the foretold marks of the 'last days', as is 'no natural affection'.
Instead of selfishness, we need to show love and consideration for others. And It is so good to see the kindnesses that are being shown!
17-Mar-2020
Leaves of Autumn!
This is a photo from September and reflects the beauty of autumn. The rich colors, the briskness of the breeze, the comfortable days and the peaceful surroundings I miss as I sit at home seeking protection from the spread of a pandemic.
The beautiful leaf relates well to this autumn quote - " "The one red leaf, the last of its clan, That dances as often as dance it can, Hanging so light, and hanging so high, On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky." — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Another feel good quote about my favorite time of year is this one - “I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” — Lee Maynard
I hope the photo and thoughts might bring some comfort and cheer during this concerning period.
15-Mar-2020
Member of Nature's Sanitation Squad!
The Turkey Vulture may not have such a pretty head, but it is is still an impressive bird. And that head is perfectly designed for its duty, that of cleaning up the carrion it finds. And, unlike most other birds, the vulture has a keen sense of smell it uses to locate carrion.
11-Mar-2020
Periwinkle (Vinka)
The Vinca is a native of Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. In the US it is usually called Periwinkle and makes an excellent ground cover.
The website, 'The Spruce', says about it, "Vinca minor vines stay short, sprawling out over the ground. They typically stand only 3 to 6 inches off the ground, but their trailing stems can reach 18 inches in length. The stems of these plants root at their joints as they creep along the ground and spread rapidly to become a pretty flowering ground cover able to fill in a large area and keep weeds down."
https://www.thespruce.com/vinca-minor-vines-2132217
10-Mar-2020
The Fascinating Western Grebe
There are several different types of Grebes. One that I think is particularly fascinating is the Western Grebe. This one was at Fern Ridge Lake.
'All about Birds' has this to say about the Western Grebe color pattern "Western Grebes are crisp black and white, with a sharp transition between black and white extending down the neck. The head and most of the face are black, with white below the eye. The bill is yellowish or greenish yellow and the eye is red at close range." (
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Grebe/id)
08-Mar-2019
Let's Have a Picnic!
Don't tell me that you will let a little moisture stop you! :) I think someone has been up to a bit of mischief! Hey, it wasn't me!
03-Mar-2020
Female Hooded Merganser
I am pretty sure that this is a female hooded merganser, though immature and non-breeding males can look similar. The reason? This merganser was paired with a male with white hood displayed at Delta Ponds.
Adult male Hooded Mergansers are black above, with a white breast and rich chestnut flanks. The black head has a large white patch that varies in size when the crest is raised or lowered, but is always prominent. Females and immatures are gray and brown, with warm tawny-cinnamon tones on the head."
02-Mar-2020
Some Kind of Sea Shell
We have this shell on the porch and I have no idea what kind it is! I went online to see if I could find some way to ID it. I came away simply amazed and in awe of the wonderful variety of shells to be found in the sea! They come in such beautiful shapes, colors and designs. To say I am impressed is an understatement! No matter where one looks they will find design and order on earth and in the universe. That is a fact that we must personally contemplate. Order and design calls for a designer!
01-Mar-2020
Seeing Signs of Spring
Lately, we have had some nice sunny days, even though mornings were a bit too cool, except for the last two days that is! It poured yesterday and is cloudy today. But we are seeing signs of spring in the yard, daffodils, periwinkles, and other tiny flowers I couldn't identify.
The coming of spring gives a boost to one's spirit. After the dark, cold days of winter, which can also be beautiful, it is good to see the new growth and beauty of our natural world. The seasons provide us with a delightful variety to capture our attention and appreciation for what has been provided for us on earth.
28-Feb-2020
In The Blink of an Eye!
I saw this Great Blue Heron at Delta Ponds all poised and ready to strike. I knew it had a fish in focus. In a blink of an eye the bird was in the water and completely under except for the wings. Just as quickly it was out of the water with prey held fast in its beak. Herons are among the world's best fishers, despite all the gear that human fishers collect. I can't say I have ever seen a heron go hungry.
