Wednesday, September 27, 2017

L is for Letter and . . .

Letter Opener

 This is a 1947 letter to my Grandfather
from my family history files.

The letter opener belonged to my Grandmother
who was born in 1898 and died in 1987.


It is marked 'stainless steel/Japan';
probably mid 1900s.
While not necessarily an antique or collectable
it is a keepsake dear to my heart.

Joining ABC Wednesday

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Swan . . .

the largest of waterfowl.

This beauty has been flying solo

at the State Park

all Summer


Joining

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Steered Clear . . .

of this very LARGE Bumble Bee

But it probably didn't notice me anyway 

as it enjoyed this bed of Sedum and feasting on the nectar.

Scientific Name: Bombus spp.

What Do Bumblebees Look Like?

Bumblebees are large, fuzzy, very hairy insects that are black and yellow colored or in some species orange or red. Size varies by species but adults may be up to a little over one inch long. They differ from carpenter bees, which have a solid black, shiny and hairless abdomen. Bumblebees have a large structure on their hind legs known as a pollen basket that is often loaded with pollen collected by foraging adults. Female bumblebees have a stinger and a pointed abdomen, while males do not have a stinger and have a rounded abdomen.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Getting Back to Photos . . .

and hoping Fall will inspire me.

On today's menu.


Each leaf plays a note in the symphony of Autumn
---Pepper Blair


Don’t talk to me of solemn days 
    In autumn’s time of splendor, 
Because the sun shows fewer rays, 
    And these grow slant and slender.

Why, it’s the climax of the year,— 
    The highest time of living!— 
Till naturally its bursting cheer 
    Just melts into thanksgiving.

---Paul Laurence Dunbar

from my photo archives



“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”
John Burroughs

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Seasonal Transition

Fall may be on the calendar but Summer is hanging on 
in western P.A.

With feathery leafed Cosmos

and a late blooming Geranium.


It's always Summer somewhere
---Lily Pulitzer


Thankful For . . .

a bumper crop of tomatoes this year to share with friends and neighbors.



We had three varieties - two for slicing and these grape tomatoes. As you can see I keep a supply on the counter and the RG eats them like grapes. They have too many seeds for my liking.

We love tomatoes fresh but don't preserve any, so it's been fun to put them at the end of the driveway 'FREE' and watch them disappear as people stop on their way by.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Out With the Old . . .

In With the New

 A little rugged after 40 years
 For some reason the flowers were drowning this year
They are now happy on the other side of the house.

Time for a change


Chief Inspector - Lucy


Recycled the brick
 
 A new place for potted plants
to enjoy while sitting on the porch.


Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Smelling the Roses . . .

or in this case . . .
Sniffing the Raspberries

a repeat photo but raspberries and the 4th of July just go together.



Saturday, June 10, 2017

This Week's Critters

While meandering through a cemetery (as I often do) 
searching for ancestors,
I spied this little mite visiting Ms. Abigail Ruby.

Earlier in the week this Catbird 
was singing its heart out by the lake

This iridescent Swallow was 
'sittin on the dock of the bay'
keeping his eyes open for fish.

Some of you saw this little one earlier in the week
but it's just so darn cute.
The RG dubbed it 'Professor Irwin Corey'
Anyone remember him? The professor that is.

Bailey, our granddog came to visit.
Lucy was not impressed with her hyperactive nature ;)


Friday, June 9, 2017

Inside and Out . . .

Here and There

A Room With a View

Nature's Grouting

Female Red-Winged Blackbird

 Corner Collection

Coral Bell - Pretty in Pink

Friday, June 2, 2017

It's Friday . . .

atMuldoon---where it's always Willy Nilly


Nature's Interior Decorating

Tiny Beauty

Our Southwest Corner
(which is actually on the northeast)

'Hank Heron' 

Contemplating a Dip or a Drip

Joining