Friday, July 10, 2009

Skywatch Friday - fireworks and an eagle

I went on a tour of some beautiful gardens yesterday and have many photos from that to post. That will be another time because I wanted to first share some photos from July 4th.


The fireworks weren't as crazy, sustained, or intense as other years.
I think the economy may have affected that part of celebrating the holiday.


That was just fine with me. I worry about the eagles at the south end of our lake, especially since the juvenile has been testing it's wings,
preparing to leave the nest soon.
I was thankful to see the juvenile and an adult bald eagle on the nest
the next day eating some lunch.

I recently read in my camera user guide that
it has a special setting to take fireworks.
So I tried it out during the fireworks display around the lake here in unincorporated King County.
And that is how these pictures were taken,
no tripod, no special effects necessary.
(Click on any of the pictures to see them bigger.)




Happy summer!

More Skywatch Friday photos here.

~Aerie-el

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Wednesday Words - Garden Sanctuary

(Click on the photo to see it bigger.)

See links to other 'Wednesday Words' at Muddy Boot Dreams.
Thanks, Jen, for hosting!

The photo above was taken at Lake Wilderness Arboretum in South King County. It's worth the drive to visit, especially if you visit on a Saturday (9-1) when the nursery is open for plant sales.

~Aerie-el

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday USA

Cheers to the Red, White, and Blue,
and to all those who serve.

~Aerie-el

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Of Poppies and Peacocks

I've got a few poppies in the gardens here.
These are bright, happy California poppies.


Here are some photos of other poppies.

I think this one below looks like a crepe paper flower.


Here's one I call 'big red'. Can you see why?


This is 'big red's' seed pod.


Here's one seemingly looking at an unfamiliar bird on the lawn...


This beautiful male peacock arrived in the yard 3 days ago.
He disappears at night,
returning in the morning after we hear his wake-up call.
(Click on any of the pictures to see more detail.)


Here is 'Mr Pea-C' on our deck, having captured the cats' rapt attention.


'Are you lookin' at me?'


He yawned. The boredom, the runway walk,
I couldn't help but think of the Right Said Fred song.

Oh, yeah.

Peace! Out!

Till next time ~Aerie-el

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Eryngium