Summer Evenings

Now that we are into haying season it is rare to see my husband until late into the evening. Tonight my daughter stayed late with her family to spend some time with my mother ,who is visiting for a few days. We sat around outside and had a few laughs. I know he not like it too much if he knew I posted this picture ... but how could I resist?

UmmUm

It has been hard to get any blogging done the last few days. Endless rounds of family and friends, enjoying the hot sunny weather. All sorts of summer activities, swimming , sitting around a fire, every possible minute spent outdoors making the most of summer. Including cooking and eating all of our meals outdoors. Yes, even a pancake breakfast for 8 cooked on a griddle outside. By the look on Emily's face this is just the kind of lunch she likes. I hope everyone else is feeling the joy of summer.

New Hope

Last year the area around my childhood home fell victim to a forest fire. The first time I saw the site was days after the fire. I cried. I wanted to stop and take pictures then but somehow I couldn't seem to do it. This year I knew I had to. I wanted to show you the devastation created in this usually idyllic lakeside drive. It was raining slightly when I stopped but instead of a dismal scene, I found that I was filled with hope . There was lush green undergrowth, birds chirping everywhere , the sound of the lake , and this majestic king posed for me for a good twenty minutes. He knew I was there and he even showed me all sides . I guess he wanted to be sure I caught his good side.

Grass Diamonds

Friday morning the whole world seemed to twinkle at me . How can one not feel happy and poetic when you wake up to this.

Exciting Weather

The booming thunder started about 11:25 pm . My computer flickered and then died. Of course a sinking feeling came over me. I have too much stuff not backed up. The lights stayed on and I could hear one of our dogs frantically clawing to get in. I could see the sky lighting up and it sounded like the storm was right overhead. Grabbing my camera, no time for a tripod.. I had to see if I could get some lightning. The dog pushed past me in his terror as I opened the door. Thankfully we have a slight overhang on our house and I was able to stay dry. The lightning was so close it made the little hairs on my neck and arms stand up. Scary stuff but maybe, just maybe, this would be the time. I steadied myself on the doorjamb as I tried to predict where it might hit next. Most of the stuff I got was of the whole yard lit up like daytime. And that was a sure indication that the cloud was right above. At one point I told myself not to be so foolish and get my butt back in the house. Even for one second wished my husband was home to make me feel a little safer. Well I got some shots not quite what I was hoping for , but I was happy. The storm blew over as quick as it came and I reset all the clocks at 11:43.

Family

Every day for the past few days I have been watching this family of birds. Morning and evening will find these four babies right outside my house perched on this wire waiting for mama to bring them food. Papa sits watch nearby and mama tirelessly gathers bugs and brings it back to these chicks trip after trip. And she knows which one she has fed last . Even though they all squack every time she comes near, she feeds the next on the list. I wonder how long this will go on, as they are almost as big as she is.

My Garden Bouncer

This is Rocky, he stands watch at the edge of my garden . He is about 600 lbs of rock solid

He-man. We seem to have a rock fetish around here and he fits right in. Sometimes with just a quick glance I can even be tricked into thinking he is trying to tell me something... but no .. strong silent type is our Rocky.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vivfarnsworth/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vivfarnsworth/

My Guy

When I first took photography classes, we did B&W only. We did our own processing in the darkroom. This image was from the first roll of film. It remains to this day my favorite picture of my husband. It says so very much about him and I am transported to that place snuggled into his chest with all my senses. I wish every picture that I took would give me the same feeling.

Red and White

Since it is Canada Day and I have chosen a title like Red and White , you may think that I would be posting a more patriotic photo. But it would seem that even my afternoon snack is far game for the camera. Also good practise for white back grounds that I love so much.