10-Sep-2023
GREAT PASTIME
Having you ever sat and watched peeling paint? So exciting. Well, not really! But I did think it made an interesting picture when I saw it. (I might be a little bored, or maybe a big one)! 🤡
15-Nov-2023
Great Blue Heron At Delta Ponds
Any time I go to Delta Ponds I hope to see my friends, the Great Blue Herons. On a recent visit, I wasn't disappointed! I finally did find one but I had to find a place where I could get a better view and composition than I had when first spotting it. I almost missed it as it was in a secluded spot and I only saw it through trees and bushes. But I found this spot for a nice view of the pond and heron.
15-Nov-2023
A Walk in the Park!
I enjoyed my walk in Delta Ponds on the 15th. So did quite a few others, such as this gentleman walking his dog. I loved how the trees made an arch over the path where he walks. The nice sunny day made for an enjoyable visit. I hadn't been there in too long!
15-Nov-2023
Nutria, A South American Invasive Species
I went to pick my car today after it had some work done on it, and since Delta Ponds is right nearby, I stopped there for a few photos. I walked as far along the trail as my gimpy hip would allow and turned back. Walking with a cane and carrying the camera with long lens was a challenge, but I managed to get some nice colors along the ponds. Also I got a close up shot of an invasive inhabitant of the ponds too, a NUTRIA! It was right beside the path and he didn't seem bothered that I stopped for a few photos. This is one that I got.
I guess it was my subconscious wanting it to be a Muskrat that misled me. The white face was a clear indication it is a nutria. While muskrats are native to North America and often found in wetlands areas and ponds, the nutria is from South America and invasive, sometimes damaging native eco-systems. This explains the large size of this one, much larger than a muskrat. According to what I read, muskrats are much smaller, weighing only between 1 1/2 to four lbs.
Sorry for the original misinformation!
10-Sep-2023
The Roses Are Gone Now!
Yes, the roses in the front yard have gone now, but here is some fall beauties from a short time ago. Their vibrant beauty shines through.
1936?
You Wouldn't Recognize Me Here!
This is a very early photo of me with my older sister and mother, who is sitting on the ground here. Yep, that little guy on my mother's lap is me. I was perhaps 10 months old. I was a big boy, weighing 10 pounds when I was born. The other kids I can't identify but they may have been cousins. My dear mother was born in Germany and was the best mother a person could have!
30-Oct-2023
Aglow With Sunlight!
I love scenes of contrasting sunlight and shade! And when a tree is highlighted and colors are vivid the result can be beautiful! I liked seeing this tree seeming to glow in the sunlight. 😎
30-Oct-2023
Dandelion Seed Head
"According to scientific research, the average number of seeds found on a dandelion head is between 200 and 300. In a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, researchers analyzed the seed production of a single dandelion flower head."
Now we know why there are so many dandelions around!
30-Oct-2023
See Spiderwebs in a New Light!
Did you know that spider webs show wisdom in engineering? Ross Hatton, a robotics and mechanical engineering professor at Oregon State University, "became fascinated by how spiders use silk to swing, make safety lines and interpret vibrations in their webs. Spiders that weave webs often have very poor eyesight, and so they understand the world through the vibrations in their webs, Hatton said. And its a complicated problem. There are many strings vibrating. But I had some engineering tools that I could use as an entry point to start cracking this nut of how does the whole web vibration communicate information to the spider.
"To study this phenomenon, Hatton wound up building a device that recreated the kinds of vibrations spiders would feel in their web and converted them into musical notes. The resulting instrument looks just like a spider web but sounds like a harp." (SEE - Did you know that spider webs show wisdom in engineering? Ross Hatton, a robotics and mechanical engineering professor at Oregon State University, "became fascinated by how spiders use silk to swing, make safety lines and interpret vibrations in their webs. Spiders that weave webs often have very poor eyesight, and so they understand the world through the vibrations in their webs, Hatton said. And its a complicated problem. There are many strings vibrating. But I had some engineering tools that I could use as an entry point to start cracking this nut of how does the whole web vibration communicate information to the spider.
Professor Hatton has come up with an ingenious instrument he calls a SpiderHarp. He has also done amazing things as a result of a study of snakes. But it is evident that spiders have shown wisdom in the various designs of their webs.
So when you see a spider web, remember the wisdom that is evident in the spider's work. Now, where did that spider get the wisdom? Doesn't it make more sense to say there is a Creator than to credit blind chance?
25-Oct-2023
We Do Have Some Fall Colors After All!
Living in the country where fir trees are common, we don't see too many colorful trees unless someone plants them. But hey, I went out the driveway and was able to find some color in leaves alongside the road.
Not as colorful as some of my friends are seeing but will have to do!
04-Jul-2023
Meet Chevy!
This is Chevy, who lives here on the place with us. He belongs to our daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Mike. He is so friendly and wants to greet everyone he meets. But as big as he is, it is easy for him to knock us old folks down. Poor baby, he just wants some lovin!
11-Oct-2023
The Flowers Are Fading!
We always know they won't last. When fall and cooler weather comes, the colorful flowers begin to fade and die. We have had serveral rainy days in October, something we really need. Of course it causes leaves and petals to fall. Those flowers with their lovely colors have brightened our spring and summer. But Fall has fine qualities also, as do all four seasons. We just need to learn to appreciate them, as part of the furnished home our Creator has given us.
08-Oct-2023
Carol and the Rabbit
Our granddaughter, Mikayla, brought some of her rabbits over for us to see. Of course, Carol loved them all. Nope, we don't have a rabbit now. 😉 This one was a pretty big fellow to hold. He's a pretty handsome fella. I forget the breed. I liked this photo of him being tightly held by Carol.
05-Sep-2023
Red-shouldered Hawk Hunting From a Wire
I love seeing the hawks and other bird life out here in the country. The hawks will sit on wires that overlook a field along the road looking for mice and other small animals they find there. Evidently there must be plenty of them because the hawks may appear in the same spot day after day for a while. I try to approach slowly in my car so I can get near enough to get photos of them as more than a distant view of them, without them flying off. The problem is finding a spot that is out of the way of traffic. This Red-shouldered Hawk was just down the road not more than a quarter mile from our driveway. I can't resist the urge to get a good shot of it.
06-Aug-2023
Getting Ready to Fish
I watched this fellow carry his fishing gear to the dock and then sit a few minutes before getting his gear out. I wondered if there was a mental exercise he goes through before fishing. Maybe he was just relaxing after carrying all of that stuff! When he became conscious of me there on the park bench I moved on so as not to disturb him.
06-Aug-2023
Walkway Along Fern Ridge Lake
Made a visit to Richardson Park along Fern Ridge Lake recently and relaxed there. As I sat at a park bench this group came walking on the walkway that goes along the lake edge. I liked the position of the boat dock and walkers in the frame so got the picture. It was a pleasant day.
11-Sep-2023
Leafing Summer Behind
I do love leaves, especially capturing them where they lie after falling. This image reminds us that, though we may be happy to leave the hot weather behind, we can expect some more dreary days when winter arrives. Still, fall is a favorite time of year, along with winter, spring and summer. 😎
Can't help it, the seasons are all here for us to enjoy. So have a nice fall!
25-Aug-2023
I Learn Something New Every Day!
I love to study, especially the Bible. But I also learn much in other ways too. For example, through photography I have learned so much through 'The Book of Nature'. Today I learned a bit about Foxgloves I didn't know before.
"Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is [1] a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae,[2] native to and widespread throughout most of temperate Europe.[3] It has also naturalised in parts of North America and some other temperate regions. The plant is a popular garden subject, with many cultivars available. It is the original source of the heart medicine digoxin (also called digitalis or digitalin)." [Wikipedia]
The plant is also poisonous, so be careful!
B700-062819-005x
15-Aug-2023
Carol and Sunny
Here is Carol with our 14 month old Pomeranian mix pup, Sunny, my gift to her for our 62nd anniversary. We have had him since May. He is a lovable, active, playful dog and loves people, and he also enjoys time on your lap. We are waiting a few months yet for him to get a little older and get past some youthful habits to lose. 🙃😁
04-Jul-2023
Purple Cala Lily
We have this calla lily planted in the front yard and the plant grew really big, despite the fact that we have been in drought conditions here for several years. When the first flower came on, I was quite surprised and pleased with the purple color, as that is one of my favorite colors.
I guess I could have just asked Carol what was planted there, but didn't think of that! 😌
13-Jul-2023
Nose to Nose, Getting Acquainted
We have had Sunny since May 20th and he is now about a year old. He is a Pomeranian mix and has such a loving friendly personality, just what Carol needs to replace her buddy, Miko, who died earlier in the year. She missed him terribly, so Sunny was my gift to her for our 62nd anniversary. A previous rescue pup we tried didn't work out so I kept looking.
Sunny is fitting in well but has a few things he needs to learn. One thing was not barking at the cows in the woods next door. He found a break in the fence to get through one day and ran after them barking. They just ignored him. Since then he doesn't seem interested in barking and chasing cows any more. Yesterday, he kept going up to the fence and sticking his nose through. The cows all came up to the fence and they all tried to get nose to nose with him. I got this shot of him greeting one of them.
04-Jul-2023
Rose Campion, Also Called Mullein Pink
I learned that Rose Campion is native to northern Africa, southern Europe and the Middle East. It has become common in many place in the US. The plants do well in flower gardens and wildflower meadows. The plants grow tall, some here stand 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall and have small single flowers at the top of each branch. We have some here on the place. They weren't planted by us or our daughter, so evidently are volunteers. They are certainly pretty and add a lot to a flower garden.
04-Jul-2023
Delightful Day Lily
To me the blades of grass add much to the composition and set the flower off. Am I correct? I guess that is the joy of photography, to create your own vision. I love any kind of lily.
24-Jun-2023
A Favorite Bird, The Great Blue Heron
I have collected quite a few photos of one of my very favorite birds, the Great Blue Heron. This shot shows why. It is a very large bird with a six foot wingspan and so beautiful in the air. They build huge nests in trees locally and never fail to impress. I have seen them in so many situations, nest building, fishing, grooming, fighting over fish or a mate, slowly and gracefully gliding through the air, and very big flocks of them landing in a local pond. Very entertaining to me!
20-Jun-2023
I Can Never Pass Up a Shot of a Deer!
I love it any time I can see deer and I can't resist another photo. They really are beautiful creatures and perhaps too curious. More often than not we see does the most often. Today all I had to do is go out on our front porch to get this shot of a buck relaxing not far from our house on the south end of our daughter and son-in-law's property here.
12-Jun-2023
Bull Elk (Wapiti)
The Elk is also called Wapiti, a name that comes from some native American languages. Male elk are called bulls and typically are about 8 feet long and 5 feet high at the shoulders. Average weight is about 700 lbs., but some have been known to weigh over 1000 lbs. Their huge antlers can weigh 40 lbs or more. They truly are impressive creatures! And to hear one bugle can leave one in awe!
05-Jun-2023
I Met Another Old-timer
I remember this trip to Montana and visiting the National Bison Range. I met this old-timer there. Don't worry, I had a 400mm lens and was in my car so I was safe. I wouldn't want to mess around with this guy. It is evident he has some battle scars, one could have been to an eye.
31-May-2023
Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfishers are difficult subjects to capture, for me anyway! So I was pleased in the past to see this one on such an interesting perch. I think it is a perfect one.
🌵🌴🌾🧐
18-May-2023
Star Pink Geraniums
As near as I can tell, this is a Maverick Series Geranium called Star Pink. Our daughter planted some in her front yard. I think they are so beautiful I just had to post a photo of them.
13-May-2023
Our 62nd Anniversary
On May 13, Carol and I enjoyed our 62nd wedding anniversary. We spent some of the day remembering days gone by. We have always enjoyed talking together. I remember the times when I would come home from a date or visiting at her home and would then call her and talk some more. We never quit talking, and enjoying each other's company. The years have passed by so fast.
12-May-2023
WHAT KIND OF FLOWER IS THIS?
Such a pretty flower. I was simply in awe of its beauty, another marvelous design found in nature. Hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I do. I am sure it is no stranger to you.
I am glad to find out what flower it is. I was mistaken as to the ID. Thanks to Laura and others for letting me know that it is a Primrose!
25-Apr-2023
Red-tailed Hawk
I just love capturing the wildlife of Oregon! I see these hawks and the Red-shouldered Hawks a lot around here. When I was able to go on long photo walks in the wildlife areas locally, I really enjoyed seeing any birds, or other creatures I came across. Now don't get out much any more, so am content with the occasional sighting and the collection of photos I have accumulated. I was able to get pretty close to this one and pulled it in further with a telephoto lens.
08-Apr-2022
Put on a Happy Face!
We had a nice break in the clouds this morning, the start of a bright sunny day, for the most part! I love clouds like this and when they hang over the lake like this I find it very appealing. I couldn't help putting on a happy face!
Listen to Dick Van Dyke sing the song, "Put On a Happy Face!" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmvFK739E_w 😁
23-Mar-2023
One Last Bit of Snow
We had a little snow still showing up in the month of March. This is one last bit of snow to help you appreciate that it is now spring! 🥸
27-Feb-2023
Look What Came From a Tree!
The place where this amazing work is located is a few houses down the road from us. I have admired it every time I have gone by, so I decided to get close in with a tele lens. I am amazed at the skill of the artist.
05-Feb-2023
New Ranch Resident
Our daughter became the owner of a donkey, named Donny, from a close friend. He has a great disposition and will make a good companion for the horses. Angie and Carol are already attached to him, as you can see. ☺️
07-Jan-2023
Angie is Pleased
Everybody seems fall for our pup, Baby Ellie. Angie loves to cuddle her, if she will let her pick her up. 😉 She is now just about 5 months old and is fitting in well. (Ellie that is, not Angie. LOL)
18-Jul-2016
Green Heron 2016
I ran across this photo and a couple others while viewing some of my past images and considered it unique enough to post again. I hope you enjoy it.
01-Sep-2016
Black Pheobe 0901016
I was involved in discussing Black Pheobe's recently and thought I had only one image of one. I found this one while looking through some past shoots and thought it unique.
Miko 2016
We are still missing our little Miko, even though we have a new pup, which is filling our life with joy, as well as work. This is a shot of Miko I ran across while looking through some images from the past. It was taken in 2016.