Alien?

When I first saw these flowers at a local store, I did a double-take. They definitely rank among the most odd I have ever seen, so much so that as of today, one now lives on my front porch.

Viewing Pleasure

On the subject of gardening, I recently visited the Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon, where this photo was taken. The beauty of the lines in Chinese architecture is unsurpassed, as shown in this window offering a garden view.

Beautiful Lady

A tribute to my friend, Karen, who is a Master Gardener and is fighting breast cancer. Not only does she make our world more beautiful with the flowers she plants, but by her very presence in it.

Kiss In Stone

A closeup of a simple garden statue at a local department store captures a memory of
first love.

On the Birdwalk

This bird seems to be practicing some sort of gymnastics. I captured his act on the high wire just before dusk.

Headin' for Summer

These folks caught my attention. Who needs water?

Memorial Day 2008

Nothing was left in this old abandoned home but the tattered flag on the front porch. Though its occupants are long gone, the flag remains -- A fitting picture for Memorial Day. May we never forget those who have left our honored flag still standing.

Peekin' Thru

A beautiful secluded view of this horse in his pasture of wildflowers is only visible through a small opening in the foilage surrounding it.

Whatcha doin' Mom?

Horses and their young are a beautiful part of the landscapes where I live. This colt watches intently as Mom pauses for an unknown reason.

Window View

It's time to choose the flowers for our own little worlds, give them a home and watch them grow.

Beautifully Common

The morning light sheds its glory on even the most unappreciated.

In The Shadows

One simple dogwood blossom, unnoticed among a multitude, finds its place in the sun.

I See It

It would appear someone else sees what I saw in yesterday's photo. I think he will appreciate it more than I did.

Hidden Surprise

They're out there, folks. As I was on my knees in the grass photographing dandelions, this fellow appeared bigger than life in my camera lens. Keep in mind, these are blades of grass around him, so he is not as fearsome as he looks.

Tulip Time

No photo log of Spring would be complete without tulips. Here they are in all their red glory.

Got Milk?

On April 8, I posted a photo of Mama Bluebird preparing for her expected little ones. News Flash: They have now arrived, and Papa Bluebird is busily bringing home their nourishment. Stay tuned for photos of the newborns.

Popping Out

I just can't help myself, I have to share another oddity in the world of spring. These blossoms seem to "pop" right out of the tree limb, and interestingly enough, they resemble popcorn.

Simply Green

After splattering beautifully-colored blossoms everywhere, Mother Nature begins to paint everything green. . . so much green that the simple beauty of single leaves may go unnoticed.

Spring Retreat

Picnic anyone? Take time out from your busy world, leave your worries behind and enjoy the serenity of Spring.

Full Bloom

Lady Spring at her best.

Mama's Little Lamb

Spring is a time with pastures and forests full of babies. As evening shadows fall on this little one, Mom tenderly and instinctively watches over him.

Attached

In my quest to bring you photos of the "Best of Spring," I have made many discoveries. Take, for instance, the fact that blossoms are indiscriminate about where they locate themselves. I had no idea that in their eagerness to appear, they will even bloom directly on the large limbs of trees.

Scoop on Life

Life is about change. Spring is about new life. These little hands hold that wonder of nature: Tiny tadpoles will somehow turn into frogs.

Out Of The Spotlight

In a shaded forest, the central glow of unexpected sunlight showing up in this photo manages to distract the viewer from the tiny insect resting on one of the wildflower petals to the left. He remains unnoticed . . . . much to his liking I am sure.

Wingspan

The beauty of flight . . . Oh, to be able to spread your wings and fly!

Invitation

The Glory of Spring embraces the entrance of this beautiful church extending her branches as if to say "Come On In."

Spring Fever

The pastures are greener, the sunlight is warmer, and the vibrant energy of new life abounds everywhere. It's definitely time to kick up your heels! Get out there and enjoy it!

No Boundaries

There is something about a freshly manicured yard framed with a white picket fence that invites you to come in and "sit a spell."

Simple Elegance

Mother Nature designed these simple flowers to resemble tiny bells, though interestingly enough, they are known as "snowflakes." She chose to decorate each petal with a single touch of green.

Beckoning Blues

The mesmerizing beauty of these wildflowers stopped me in my tracks on a recent walk through the woods.

Roadmap to Spring

Redbuds, white blossoms, and blue skies intermingle to form the perfect signs that we are well into our journey of Spring.

Sunday Morning

What could be more inspirational than a country church's stained glass window framed with the glory of Spring?

Spring Debutant

A new beauty joins the party.

Forest Blues

Mother Nature premiers her first floor show of the season with beautiful blues.

Gradual Green

I hope you are enjoying our stroll through the land of Spring. We're watching as brown evolves into green, one step at a time. Our journey now leads us to blooms and blossoms just around the bend.

Building A Baby Bed

Here's a springtime story I observed first hand as I watched this expectant mother return time after time with just the right materials to construct a nursery.

Spring Symphony

One by one, tiny buds and blossoms chime in to create the song of Spring.

Water Worlds

The glistening of drops of rain still clinging to budding life and reflecting the new world around them.

Bud Birth

With camera in hand, my close up investigations of the botanical world in its first stages of infancy have proven to be somewhat like traveling to another planet. There is indeed a whole world out there that most will never see.

Welcome Back

I had become used to sharing my yard with two rabbits who made it their home last year. Having not seen them through the cold winter months and fearing the worst, you can imagine how pleased I was to step outside today and snap this photo.

Life Support

Basking in the sunlight's warmth and drawing from its life-giving rays, a world of green replaces winter gray.

Observation

It would appear this little guy notices his evolving world as Spring makes it arrival .

New Beginnings

Deciding that I should investigate how all this spring beauty evolves, I examined closely a budding tree. To my amazement, I discovered tiny protrusions of baby green bursting forth from the ends of the smaller branches at the point where they had ceased to grow last year. And so new life begins.

Colorful Creation

All the colors of the rainbow reveal themselves come Spring. One by one, they gradually paint the landscape until its filled with new life and beauty. We will witness this evolution, one step at a time.

Stroll Into Spring

Spring has "sprung," presenting all kinds of new photo ops! I will do my best to capture some of the special wonders this season brings and share them with you. Hope you enjoy the journey.

Horse Whisperer

A morning hug and a soft word gently starts the day.

A Couple of Nuts

These two nuts have been around a very long time. While the layers of various colored paints have peeled around them, and they have donned coats of rust themselves, they still stand firm and cast their shadows from the light of a helpful sun.

Spring Watch

My mother always watched for robins as the first sign of approaching Spring. It would appear that this robin was watching for signs of Spring himself.

Looking Inside Out

As I strolled down the sidewalk of a neighboring town, I was struck by the beauty of these huge wooden doors. I stepped back to snap a picture, not realizing until later that I had captured a view of the city square behind me through the reflection in the office windows.

Easter Son Rise

The morning light breaks through the darkness to illuminate a waiting world.