Heron Snag

On the Pier

2011-08-10T20:28:00.001-07:00

Fulton Harbor fishing pier in the soft morning light.

Latest and Greatest

2011-08-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Trying out some new photo-editing tools on some 2008 Padre Island photos.

Colors of South Texas Coastal Bend

2010-10-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

Love the soft pastels of the Gulf of Mexico Texas coastline, so different than the high-contrast beach tones of the Pacific Northwest.

Waking Up in Fulton Harbor

2010-10-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

This enticing fishing pier is one of the best viewing spots at sunrise in Fulton Harbor, Texas. Here are a few images from this morning.

Windmill at San Domingo Cemetery

2010-10-19T09:14:00.001-07:00

This picturesque windmill caught my eye while we were visiting the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas, where some of my husband's ancestors are buried. The windmill creaked and groaned which made for some pretty atmospheric moments in this old cemetery!

Five Bells, Five Missions

2010-10-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Along the River Walk in downtown San Antonio, is this lovely enclave--five bells for the five original missions in San Antonio.

Mosaic along the San Antonio River Walk

2010-10-10T07:05:00.001-07:00

Just Another Sunset in Paradise

2010-09-17T18:09:00.001-07:00

Koi

2010-09-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Koi, swimming in one of the lush, tropical pools on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort on Waikiki.

Board Beauty

2010-09-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Images from the Lanai

2010-09-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I never tire of the ever-changing display of color and light at one of our favorite places on earth. We are here again on Waikiki beach for our annual fall trip and loving every moment.

Very Cooperative Eagle

2010-07-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

This eagle was kind enough to put on quite a show just a few yards away from my Adirondack chair! Originally, we were watching a Heron grab this bullhead and prepare to eat it, but from nowhere, down swooped the Eagle. The Heron was not too happy at having managed the hunt and kill for not so much as a morsel and flew away squawking.

Evenings on the Canal

2010-07-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

Another dose of WOW!

Winner Takes All

2010-01-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

As we were leisurely eating breakfast this morning, we were treated to quite a show on the shore here at Hood Canal where we are spending the week. It was foggy and the tide was in, just a few feet from the window. Lots of Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Gulls and Mergansers were all competing for food just under the surface and we watched them dive again and again. All of the sudden, a Hooded Merganser came up with a prize, a small, but plump little bull-head. Instantaneously every fowl within view began chasing the Merganser as he darted here and there, the fish flopping around in it's mouth. As a competitor would get close, the Merganser would dive...then up he'd come and do it all again. A couple of times we wondered why he DIDN'T dive and just about that time, a Goldeneye would come up from underneath! There seemed to be no escape, but he held on for quite awhile until a gull managed to snatch away the catch. The gull came straight into shore with his meal, tossed it in the air and swallowed it whole!

Flicker of Color

2009-10-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

This Flicker sat on the deck rail long enough for me to get some close-ups. Since I was in the house looking through the window, it's not as clear as it could be.

Big Surprise

2009-09-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Every year we spend a day on the north shore and usually finish the day with a swim at Waimea Bay Beach Park. This year we arrived for our swim and found about 2 dozen lifeguards, some in the tower, some on atvs awaiting orders and some with a jet ski at hand. Signs everywhere announced the dangerous tide and announcers on loudspeakers kept directing people to get out of the water, away from the shore and up onto dry sand. "Don't wade," we repeatedly heard. It was a fantastic day for surfers and photographers and a few experienced swimmers. The waves were incredible, nothing like we had ever seen.

Old and New at Waikiki

2009-09-25T11:55:00.001-07:00

Standing on the corner of Lewers and Kalia, just about the only familiar site is Denny's which I decided did not warrant a photo. What used to be a cozy little trattoria, is now a glitzy Roy's restaurant in the also new Embassy Suites. The entire block has been revamped with a grassy area for concerts and lots of fun shops and restaurants.

On the corner of Saratoga and Kalia, the new Trump Hotel is close to a grand opening. They were busy with the landscaping this week.

Beauty Everywhere You Look

2009-09-23T12:42:00.001-07:00

No words needed...

Critters

2009-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Not sure if fish are critters, but aren't they beautiful? The green grasshopper-like creature crawled in through our 8th floor kitchen window and the snail was making its way across a path in the park--so glad I saw it in time and didn't step on it!

All Neck and Legs!

2009-09-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

I could watch these creatures for hours. Photo taken at the Hilton Village.

Here we are back in Paradise

2009-09-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Once or twice a year, this blog becomes less about photography and more about our travels. A long-time annual family tradition, Glenn and I are happy to be in Waikiki again with my mom. This year is my mom's 39th consecutive visit to the island of O'ahu. Here are some photos of our arrival and first morning in Hawaii. Due to some "interesting" last minute changes by the airlines, we arrived in Waikiki much later than usual... just in time, however, for this WONDERFUL sunset! Barely got the camera out of the bag in time for this shot.

Sunday morning. Outriggers heading out to sea, as seen from the beach at Fort Derussy.

From the lanai. Loved the shadows.

Never tire of this view from the lanai and have to post it especially for my girls. Bring back memories? Wish you were all here!

New mug from Starbucks.

Surf's up?

Breakfast on the lanai.

A man and his son setting up fishing rods at the water's edge in front of Ft. Derussy.

Glenn on his morning walk through the park. Hang loose!

My sweetheart... neither a martini drinker or a cigar smoker, but definitely a Tommy Bahama kind of guy.

Fun with Macro

2009-09-13T21:30:00.001-07:00

Beachcombing

2009-07-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

A little last minute beachcombing before it is time to leave this wonderful place and head for home and reality. Hood Canal never disappoints.

Gull Watch

2009-07-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

This gull has been with us the greater part of everyday, entirely at ease with all of our noise and activity. He will not fly off until you get within about 4 feet of him.

Great Blue on Hood Canal

2009-07-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Roses in Early June

2009-06-06T09:29:00.001-07:00

Here is what's happening in the rose garden these days.

Saucer size "Abraham Lincoln" is a spectacular splash of color, blooming on tall, regal stalks. Like its namesake, this rose commands respect.
Exquisite "Fragrant Cloud" has only one bloom, but that bloom is perfectly formed, rich with coral-red color, and heady with the smell of spice. This is the most fragrant rose in my garden.

Drumroll... saved the best for last. David Austin's "Sharif Asma" is in full glory, the entire bush covered with large cabbage shaped roses that fill the air with heavenly sweetness.

Introducing Ruth!

2009-05-30T08:21:00.001-07:00

Meet Ruth Alexander, an old Northwest rose no longer in propagation... except by someone like me who meets Ruth and becomes obsessed with her. She is a climbing rose that quickly gets out of hand and reportedly does not bloom profusely enough for today's standards. But one deep breath of Ruth's rich fragrance, and you know she is worth it. A good friend brought me prunings every year, all of which were carefully planted, some of which rooted and got new leaves the first year, a couple that made it through the first winter, and none of which survived beyond that point until now. Finally, success! Ruth is is well established in my rose bed now (from a cutting in 2007) and in bloom for the first time.

Backyard Bracken

2009-05-17T16:07:00.001-07:00

I love to see these wild ferns in the spring, shooting up three or four feet, fronds unfurling from their tightly-bound coils.

Winter's Fury and Beauty

2008-12-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Winter came to us in a fury this past week. Uncharacteristically cold temps, snow sticking around for more than a day, icy roads...and birds by the dozen! A huge flock of Robins and Varied Thrush made the air come alive with the sound of crunching berries and whirring wings. Here are a few of the images. Whatever their nuisance factor in the landscape, due to their wildly erratic growth patterns, the cotoneasters redeem themselves many times over in the variety of birds they attract to the backyard.

Fall at Juanita Bay Park

2008-11-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

A little fall color at Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland, Washington.

Nice Catch

2008-10-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Taken at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast of South Texas.

Herons et al.on the Gulf Coast of Texas

2008-10-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

The South Texas Gulf Coast is a bird photographer's heaven!

This heron was alongside the highway into Rockport, and unlike our skittish Washington herons, was not a bit bothered by our presence. Thinking that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I snapped more photos than I'll ever admit to. Later I found that herons are everywhere and quite comfortable with me and my camera!

These gulls, with their black beak and sharp-contrast markings, are a bit different than what we are used to. This photo was taken on a stretch of beach on Padre Island. Pelicans are everywhere, swooping through the air, skimming the water, diving for dinner, spreading their wings, and puffing their pouch. This one was just hanging out on a dock in Fulton Harbor.

Mornings in the Park

2008-09-27T19:04:00.001-07:00

Mornings in Fort DeRussy Park are my favorite part of the day. Fort DeRussy was an actual fort to which there is an on-site museum dedicated and the fort and park are still maintained by the Army. It is next door to the Waikiki Shores Apartments where we stay and is bordered on one side by Waikiki Beach. It is the site of many a family picnic, early morning runners, skateboarders, racketball and volleyball games, and community events. Glenn has mapped out his walking route that he completes 5 or 6 times. I usually join him for 1 or 2 of his laps and spend the rest of the time taking pictures and/or sipping a Starbuck's Tall, Cinnamon Dolce, Non-fat, No-whip Mocha. There are lots of things going on in the park in the morning. Here are a few scenes.

Waimea Trickle

2008-09-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite haunts on Oahu is the trail to Waimea Falls through the lush Waimea Valley. The falls are typically thunderous, spilling into a pool at the end of the 3/4 mile walk, and no matter how hot the day, worth the trek. Things were very dry this year all the way at the beginning, the lowest point of the trail. Our hopes, slim as they were, dimmed as we went higher and higher, drier and drier. Sure enough, there was hardly a drip coming down off the rock face, so we renamed the falls "The Trickle." But was it worth it? You bet!

Here is the entrance to the park.

Signing the guest book before setting out on the trail.

Almost there... And the grand finale! Ta da....

Old & New

2008-09-25T20:55:00.001-07:00

A few of our favorite Waikiki street scenes, some old, some new.

The new Waikiki Beach Walk....two stories of shops and eateries.

Exactly how many shirts did my dad have from Crazy Shirts???? Too many to count!

P.F. Chang's, new guy on the block this year.... YUM!

And of course, one of the many Starbucks.

One of my brother, Steve's, favorites....

Sort of, but not quite new, Senor Frog's.

St. Andrews Cathedral

2008-09-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

One of our traditions when we are in Hawaii is to attend a service at St. Andrews Cathedral in downtown Honolulu. The cathedral boasts the largest pipe organ and the only English cathedral bells in Hawaii. The people are warm and friendly, the music never disappoints, and the beauty of the space is inspiring.

The grounds include this pool and fountain as you approach the main entrance. A look at the Nave and Sanctuary.

From the Belfry 50 steps up, the ropes are pulled and bells ring out, heralding the services each Sunday morning. The final picture shows the bell ringers demonstrating their skill.

What a difference 5 hours of flying makes...

2008-09-22T18:20:00.001-07:00

From this....

to THIS!

More Ohio Fun

2008-09-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

For more fabulous photos from Ohio, check out this wonderful new blog Escape in Time by my traveling companion and friend, Shirley.

Boettler Park

2008-09-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few scenes from the trails in Boettler Park which is part of the larger recreation area called South Park in Green, Summit County, Ohio. South Park has sports fields, playground and picnic areas, a network of trails, and beautiful wide-open spaces. The day we were there we shared the trails with a high school girl's track team. Our destination was the old farmhouse, but we took our time along the trail taking pictures and enjoying the cool woodsy trails, ponds and scenic vistas.

"Old Farmhouse"

2008-09-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

In lush Boettler Park, there are directions to the old farmhouse. Following paths through arching trees, winding around lily-pad-studded ponds, up and over slight hills, you round the final bend and come down a drive at the end of which is a large and very beautiful barn with German-style detail around the slatted vents. The barn is dramatic enough, and at first you cannot see the house. When you get closer, it's hard not to gasp at the finale. A graceful old home, an elegant lady resting in the afternoon shade of ancient trees. Wow!The historic literature we had read called it the Belden Home, the name of the most recent owners of the property, but from a tip, we knew it to be the former Hartong farm. Samuel Hartong married Margaret Humbert, the sister of my great great grandfather, Jacob Humbert. Margaret died young and Samuel later married her younger sister, Catherine. Our new cousin, Sandy, who came from New Jersey to meet us in Ohio, is a direct descendant of Samuel and Margaret. We were a bit disappointed that the Hartong name was nowhere to be found until we glanced up and saw that it is etched into the stone of the barn. We have yet to identify exactly which Hartong the initials L. J. stand for. Always a new mystery for the genealogist to solve.

Sprankle and Smith Mills

2008-09-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is an old photo owned by the Jackson Township Historical Society of Michael Sprankle's mill on High Mill Road taken in the 1800's. Michael owned the mill at one time, but he was not the builder or original owner. Michael is my great-great-great grandfather.

All that is left of the old mill is its stone foundation.

Using the timbers and equipment from the old Sprankle Mill, the Smith Mill was built in 1925 in Crystal Springs, Jackson Township in Stark County. It was used primarily as a Cider Mill. Below are photos of the building today which is on private property and adjoins a private residence.

The Mill from the driveway.

A side view of the Smith Mill.

Bridge over the Tuscarawas

2008-09-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

An old stone bridge over the Tuscarawas River. Taken from the Cherry Street Bridge in Canal Fulton, Ohio.

Ohio and Erie Canal

2008-09-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Ohio and Erie Canal was the "highway" in the 1800's. Standing on its banks, it's easy to imagine the thriving boat traffic along these waters. The boats were towed by teams of horses and in these images you can see the towpath alongside the canal from which the teams pulled the boats down the canal. The boat in the last picture is a replica of a canal boat which now transports tourists in the summer months.

Canal Fulton from the Canal

2008-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Canal has a rich and varied history. Gift shops, bars, a tatoo parlor and antique shops in the aged and weathered buildings along the canal give a simultaneous snapshot of both yesterday and today. To contrast with the street views, here is the town from the canal.

Canal Fulton

2008-09-11T20:41:00.001-07:00

The historic district of downtown Canal Fulton, Ohio.

Ohio!

2008-09-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Just some ordinary, everyday scenes from Ohio. Beauty everywhere you look!

Moody

2008-08-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Two very different morning moods on Hood Canal this summer. Sunrise from the deck rarely goes unnoticed and never disappoints.

A Lot of Commotion!

2008-07-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

Everything was settling down for the evening tonight when out of the clear blue there were birds everywhere, squawking, squealing and feathers flying. We looked up to see a magnificent Bald Eagle flying low over the water chased frantically by gulls, crows and a couple of kingfishers. This isn't the best photography, but it proves we were there for the show!

Edmonds Kind of Day

2008-07-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

As good as it gets. A sunny Saturday morning, in Edmonds.

A Wintery Mt. Washington in 2008

2008-03-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Winter 2008 on Hood Canal. We've been visiting the same spot on Hood Canal several times a year since 1999 and the color and beauty of each season never fails to delight. The first shot is looking north toward Mt. Washington in the Olympic Range and the second a close-up of the "main event."

Ohio Genealogy Trip

2007-10-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

First glimpse of my great great grandfather's farm near Canton, Ohio. We were fortunate enough to meet the current owners and to discover that the property has only changed hands twice since the mid 1800s, and to our utter delight, we were taken on a tour of the barns and house, all of which were original. Amazing.

Ohio Amish Country

2007-10-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken on my cross-state drive across Ohio this summer. It was a rendezvous of four cousins, a whirlwind genealogical research trip. We started out in Canton, but with branches of the family on both sides of the state, we enjoyed a relaxing midweek road trip. It was my first visit to Ohio and with it came many other "firsts" such as this glimpse of another way of life.

Almost...

2007-09-13T04:37:00.000-07:00

One of the welcome sights of fall.

Double Delight

2007-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

These fall blooms seem more intense in color than the ones earlier this summer which worked to the advantage of this double colored favorite.

From my August Garden: Sharif Asma

2007-08-20T20:27:00.001-07:00

A David Austin rose, the Sharif Asma blooms look and smell divine.

Fragrant Cloud

2007-08-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

An end of summer profusion of roses produced this lovely coral bloom, Fragrant CloudTrue to its name, its spicy fragrance permeates the air.

Glenn with the Camera

2007-07-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Glenn took the camera for a drive one night at sunset and caught the sky reflected in the windows of this old abandoned building in Union, Washington on Hood Canal. He should take the camera more often. I love this photo!

Hood Canal Delights--Never Ending

2007-07-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Taken from Hiway 106 heading west out of Union.

Lush

2007-04-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Our state flower...the Rhododendron. Ubiquitous, but never boring. These blooms caught my eye today at City Park in Edmonds.

Sunny Saturday in April

2007-04-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a classic "why I live in Edmonds" day. The air was crisp, but the sun was shining, lighting up the spring green of the grass and leafing trees. Flowers were blooming everywhere--these tulips at City Park looked aflame.

Another one...

2007-02-03T05:39:00.000-08:00

This brought a chuckle, a heron, sitting on the seat (not the bow or the stern) of an old boat as if he belonged there. Notice the starfish all over the dock. Photo taken on Hood Canal.

Great Blue for Heron's Snag

2007-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Photo taken on Hood Canal where we spent a relaxing week away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bright Spot of Color

2007-01-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Alone in the bare tree, this plump robin caught my eye.

Snow, snow, go away..

2007-01-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

I've substituted the word SNOW in this little rhyme for the first time in the nearly 45 years I have lived in the Seattle area...the word RAIN usually works just fine.

Snow in Edmonds

2006-11-30T21:11:00.000-08:00

Wow! Z's Photography

2006-11-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Look at the branches going in one side and out the other. Quite an impressive structure! Photo taken by my grandson. Good job, Z!

Just Another Day in Edmonds

2006-11-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

A sight that never gets old, the cross-sound ferry pulling into Edmonds in early evening.

Just Fluff

2006-10-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

Another photo from our recent trip to Hawaii, this one of a lanai visitor, caught in early evening.

Perfect Timing

2006-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Spotted doves are everywhere in Honolulu but photographing them is a bit tricky. They constantly bob their heads up and down as they dart here and there looking for bits of food. I won't tell you how many pictures I snapped before I caught this one in my view finder. Yes, he managed to swallow that chunk of whatever it is.

Flash of Brilliant Color

2006-09-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sailing

2006-09-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Liquid Gold at the End of the Day

2006-09-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Along Waikiki Beach on Oahu in Hawaii, at sunset.

Linnet

2006-09-16T02:15:00.000-07:00

The common house finch, known in Hawaii as "Linnet" or "Papayabird." This one serenaded us on the lanai at sunset.

Little Lizard

2006-09-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

This tiny little lizard was about 4 inches long including his tail. Photographed at the Audubon Center in Waimea, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Be sure to click on him to see him larger than life.

Trying to Break Through

2006-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Foggy sunrise on Hood Canal.

Sunset in June on Hood Canal

2006-08-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Wild and Beautiful

2006-08-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Multi-colored berries growing on the shores of Hood Canal.

Summer Glory

2006-08-04T00:54:00.000-07:00

"Riotous Color" are the words that come to mind this time of year!

Early Morning Backyard Visitor

2006-07-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

This was my first sight through sleepy, unfocused, unbelieving eyes this morning. A wandering coyote munching on fallen apples just below our second story bedroom window.

Rich!

2006-07-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Tigers in the Garden

2006-07-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Fish Hawk

2006-06-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

We were treated to an evening show each night from the deck on Hood Canal as groups of Osprey (sometimes called Fish Hawks) circled overhead, soaring, swooping, and diving (feet first!). They make a little chirping sound that does not at all sound like it could come from these powerful birds of prey.

Among Giants

2006-06-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Taken in the Olympic National Forest in Washington state.

Beachcombing

2006-06-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Beachcombing, photography, digital enhancement. Fun!

Showing Off

2006-06-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

We're home from a week away at our favorite spot to kick back and DO NOTHING. Hood Canal, our home away from home. These gulls came withing minutes of our arrival to see what we were all about. They put on quite a show. What fun for the camera!

Janelle's Spectacular Clematis

2006-05-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Janelle's, lovely clematis which cascades at one end of her front porch. The top photo is worth clicking on to enlarge. Spectacular!

Violet

2006-05-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

A tiny spring violet, doctored in MS Digital Imaging.

Yummy Chives

2006-05-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the taste of fresh chives. Chives in an omelet, chives on a baked potato, chives in chilled potato soup...

Rabbit Ears

2006-05-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

"Wrap me close, sheets of lavender.
Pour your blue & purple dreams into my ears."
-Amy Lowell,1874-1925

By any name, just as sweet: French Lavender aka Spanish Lavender aka Rabbit Ears Lavender aka Papillon or Butterfly Lavender.

The Peacock Twilight Rays

2006-05-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

"For joy of me the daystar glows, and in delight and wild desire

The peacock twilight rays aloft its plumes and blooms of shadowy fire,

Where in the vastness too I burn through summer nights and ages long,

And with the fiery-footed watchers shake in myriad dance and song.”

From "The Master Singer" by George William (A. E.) Russell

Leftover Camellia

2006-05-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just one last bloom on the January-blooming camellia on the deck. I love the old-fashioned look of the camellia blossom, especially in the winter garden, but it's a welcome sight in May, as well.

After the rain...

2006-04-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

After temps in the 70s on Friday, yesterday brought torrential rains to Seattle. Today the sun was back out in force, but it will take awhile for things to dry out.

Soggy "Wishing Flower"

Snow white clematis growing on the East fence.

Lithodora in the rockery.

10 Most Beautiful Birds

2006-04-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

How could "Heron's Snag" not pick up "Endment's" meme to name 10 birds I consider to be most beautiful? I could have spent all day at this, but decided to judge beauty by listing the birds I most enjoy watching. It was no easy task to narrow the list to 10!

1. Great Blue Heron (big surprise)
2. Bohemian Waxwing
3. Red-shafted Flicker
4. Stellar's Jay
6. Hooded Merganser
7. Pileated Woodpecker
8. Belted Kingfisher
9. Barn Swallow
10. Red-Winged Blackbird

Abuzz...

2006-04-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Alight on the vinca, this tiny bee sat still long enough for me to catch him in my lens.

Spring Fever

2006-04-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

"It's spring fever...you don't quite know what is is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" Mark Twain

More Violets

2006-04-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

The sun is not cooperating today, so again I am resorting to indoor Plants. Here are two of my blooming African Violets, the top photo unaltered, and the bottom one enhanced with MS Digital Image.

From Glenn

2006-04-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

One of the tulips in the bouquet of flowers from my thoughtful husband. Thanks, Honey!

Small Speckled Visitor

2006-04-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

Ladybug

A small speckled visitor
Wearing a crimson cape.
Brighter than a cherry
Smaller than a grape.

A polka-dotted someone
Walking on my wall.
A black-hooded lady
In a scarlet shawl.

~Joan Walsh Anglund

Spring!

2006-03-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday's theme this week is "Spring." Photo taken in LaConnor at the Tulip Festival last year.

Honu: Green Sea Turtle

2006-03-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

A tale for Wednesday....

Kauila
Hawaiian Turtle Goddess

Hawaiian legend, as reported by historian Mary Kawena Pukui, tells the story of a mystical sea turtle named Kauila, born on the black sandy shores of Punalu’u, in the district of Ka’u on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kauila was born the daughter of two supernatural sea turtles, the mother named Honupo’okea and the father named Honu‘ea. Honupo’okea came out of the ocean to give birth to a very special egg, the color and shape similar to a piece of kauila wood. She buried her special egg in the sand to be warmed by the Hawaiian sun until ready to hatch. Before returning to the sea, Honupo’okea and Honu‘ea used their flippers to dig deep into the earth forming a fresh water pond near their precious nest. After a time, Honupo’okea returned to the black sandy beach to wait for her special egg to hatch. Soon the egg cracked open and a beautiful baby turtle emerged - dark and glossy, like kauila wood. Mother and daughter made their way to the fresh water pond to live until Kauila was old enough to be on her own. Kauila made Punalu’u her home and would often rest at the bottom of the fresh water pond. The air bubbles from her breath would rise to the top of the pond delighting the children of Ka’u. Kauila loved all children and would sometime change herself into a little girl so that she could play with and watch over the children on the black sandy shores. The people of Ka’u cherish Kauila for her fresh water pond that gave them drinking water and for ensuring the safety of their children.

From the Turtle Tales World Turtle Trust, a collection of legends, personal stories, and aphorisms about turtles and peoples' profound experiences with them. Honu is the Hawaiian word for Green Sea Turtle.

Photo taken on island of O'ahu, September, 2005 and enhanced in MS Digital Image.