Color in the Winter Woods

The winter woods can be so bland. The leaves and wildflowers are gone. Most of the songbirds, aside from the occasional flock of hearty American Robins, Bluejays or Cardinals, have left for the season. Bright colors are a luxury this time of year. It's nice to occasionally find some to admire.

Winter Neighbor

Caught one of my neighbors browsing for some lunch. She caught me spying on her too. I wonder how wild animals survive outside through the winter. I know that they have for millions of years. But still, I wonder....

Last of the Season

The last of the season for me at George Rogers Clark Park. Rather fitting that the leaves are dieing as the park itself dies. Although there is hope that the park will be reopened, I don't see it happening any time soon. What a sin against the people of this area. A sign of the times...I suppose.

George Rogers Clark Park

Just heard some very disappointing news. One of our local parks, along with several other areas (wetland areas, and miles of bike trails) will be closed because of the recent support levy failure. The levy would have cost the average county home owner about $5.00 a year. Yes, only $5.00! George Rogers Clark Park is one of the most beautiful, pristine and well preserved natural areas in our county, with old growth trees that are hundreds of years old, a waterfall, beautiful lake, hiking trails and picnic areas. I have been going there since I was a kid. I remember the Boy Scout Jamborees, family picnics, fishing with my dad, and all the hikes and photos taken through the years. Several of the images posted here were taken at George Rogers Clark Park. I just don't know why people can't understand what a difference places like this make in their lives and the value of their community, even if they don't go there.

I am really bummed.

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Grandma's Journals

My grandmother's Journals. What a gift! So many memories and emotions. Everyone should keep a journal. Some day, someone would love to know more about you.

Show Off

The colors intensify daily as the leaves start falling. Some seem to hang on forever as others drop the instant they sense that they are changing. They seem to have a shyness about them, not wanting to share what they are, or what they are becoming, with the world.

Autumn Night Lights

Colors and shapes change in the night. So many different types of light....or the lack of. Ghostly shadows, out away from the light. And bright, unusual colors in close. Makes the imagination wander.

(Side note: This was shot using only the available light around the Art Center, at night. I have to chuckle at how some of my images resemble those of my instructor at times. That's a compliment. Thanks Steve.)

Falling Into the Season

Seasons change. Lives and people change. Reflection becomes commonplace as the the new season works it's way towards us. Questions are asked. What did we accomplish? What good did we do? Did we do any harm? Are we better for the way we have lived? Is the world any better?

Basketweave Spirals

This is an image of an 18th century dough rising basket. One of many that were on display at a local re-enactment Fair from this weekend. The colors and spiral pattern are very intriguing to me. I gave this one a slight HDR treatment as well. Hope you like it.

The Abstract Sunset

The sky is full of shapes and colors. Sometimes we see them, other times we don't. Our imagination can take many forms when looking at clouds in the sky. Even the colors can change when our imagination takes over.

Jewel Weed

The Jewel Weed glows in the early morning sun. Drops of dew from the night glisten on the leaves like tiny diamonds or jewels, if you will. So many blooms in the fen at this time of year. Jewel weed is still one of my favorites.

Colors and Textures

The colors and textures of Nature and the Garden are infinite. From the many shades of green that are present everywhere, to the brightest spots of red or yellow. Colors and textures can change with the different light throughout the day and throughout the seasons. Nothing ever looks the same from one moment to the next.

The Vine

The Vine grows everywhere. It grows on anything that will not resist it. It uses whatever it needs to get to the best sun light. Grabbing, climbing, wrapping itself around the others. Only nature itself can control it.

Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons. Lighter than air and at the mercy of the wind. They float along, rising with blasts of new heat and falling as the air cools, finding new currents along the way. Gently, finding their way.

Sunset at Hosterman Lake

Another landscape session from the class I've been taking. We did a field trip to George Rogers Clark Park. It's a small, very under-utilized park with unlimited photo possibilities. We finished the session and class standing on the fishing pier at Hosterman Lake, watching the sunset. Although it was extremely hot, it was very enjoyable. Here is part of the sunset I saw.

A Day on the Water

Wasn't a bad way to stay semi-cool on the heat of the day. My buddy and I spent the day paddling up the feeder creek of Cowan Lake. Nice, easy paddle. Plenty of wildlife, great views and friendship. Beats the hell out of working!

Lilies by the Fountain

I tried shooting some "Urban Landscapes" in my class on Wednesday evening. The downtown of our city is quite beautiful with lots of older, restored architecture. Not sure I quite got the hang of it, but I will keep practicing. The landscaping and ornamentation around the core area is just awesome. A very nice place to relax during lunch if you happen to work downtown or for a walk in the evening. The lilies were quite beautiful around the fountain.

Rocks in the Water

Water flows smoothly down the creek. When the rains come, the flow is more intense. Rocks in the creek sometimes change the direction of the flow. Given enough time, the water can change the rocks so the flow is smooth again. Going with the flow....'bout all you can do, sometimes.

Skunks in the Jewel Weed

The Skunk Cabbage is on it's way out as it is being taken over by the Jewel Weed, or Touch-Me-Not, as it is also called. The Fen changes daily. Some changes are very subtle. Others, more drastic and noticeable. Reminds me of life in general.

Early Evening Moon

The Half Moon was bright for being so early in the evening. It followed and watched me as I wandered the woods. I've always been mystified by the Moon and the Stars. There's something reassuring about them. You know they will always be there. You may not see them on some nights, but they are there.....and will be, long after I am not.

Old Woods Road

The old woods road was inviting. I wondered who had gone before me. Where were they going? What was their life about? I wandered down the road for a ways, but had to turn back home as the restraints of daily life laid in the back of my mind. Someday, I'll find out where the road goes, and forgot those restraints for a while again.

Remembrance

Hi all. As I'm sure you've noticed (or maybe not, because nobody is looking yet), I haven't really got started here yet. Here's a quick photo I shot tonight. Apparently, there is a group of veterans that do flag displays around the area, or maybe even around the country. One of their displays is set up in town and I though I would go check it out. Very heartwarming display. Makes you take some time to think about those who have served. Makes you wonder about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Who were they? Why did they give of themselves so freely? Who would they be now if they had not lost their lives in service to us and their country?

Thank you to ALL who have served.

Hello Deer

She was laying in the sun, enjoying it as much as I was. Several other does grazed as she relaxed. When she looked at me, I could see no fear in her eyes. Almost as if she realized I meant her no harm. Another beautiful evening in the woods.