Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Wow...
Monday, June 24, 2024
Well that was something!
Three days ago, I found myself seated on the rocks at the bottom of my creek, creating a 'space' story against an 'interesting' backdrop.
The creek bottom was my chosen spot, thanks to its cool rocks and mosses. I like this spot and use it often. I gives me a chance to get away from the house and enjoy some peace and quiet in the forest.
For the past 28 years, this area had water flowing through it. Not deep, just a few inches of water flowing over the rocks.
Now?
Anyway, I was literally able to sit on the rocks and arrange my setup in a dry section. Recent rains have cleared many weeds and rocks from the creek's bed.
24 hours later, the scene had changed.
And then, another day passed...
A boulder was moved along with several logs. It was the result of 3 inches of rain for the day's total along with one downpour that dropped an inch and a half in less than 45 minutes.
Yet, the rain performed its intended role in the Dry Runs. It cascaded through the boulders and 'washed' into the creek.
We call this event: A Gully Washer
The heavy rain sweeps out the dry runs of old leaves and debris, also cleansing the creek beds.
I can't wait to return and discover the creek's new appearance once the water recedes. Observing the valley's subtle transformations over the past 28 years has been remarkable and it feels like Mother Nature puts on a show just for me.
[not one other human aside from myself explores this region]
I presume the township will also have considerable work, given the damage the rain caused to our gravel roads.
Welcome to the start of a new week.
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Grasses and Bushes
in the center of the photo.
It could be Johnson Grass that hasn't opened yet.
don't mess with this stuff...
this down where I walk along
our creek bed on a cold wet rainy
day.
didn't think to try and ID this bush.
found on West Ridge Trail
at the Kickapoo Valley
Reserve
their movement like a dance.
unless one stops to watch
them perform their silent ballet.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
This is reality
Monday, June 17, 2024
Story Times...
a Lego animal
sanctuary...
You can probably guess that she stays pretty busy.
Let's not forget to check in on Joe and Dog. They are still wandering about exploring this wonderful world that is not The End of All Time. I don't think Dog is too impressed with the pond they are going to cross.
Nor do they know what else they may find.
Ailie and Rabbit... transported from a Starship in the somewhat distant future.
There is a Lego Photo Challenge this month, that I will be participating in. Wouldn't it be fun to get the project??? I can only try.
So you could see some fun Lego shots here as I work through that 'assignment'.
Submit photos of LEGO subjects in interesting environments to apply for this On Assignment project. The selected photographer will receive the Space Construction Mech 60428 to create a series of at least 5 photos.
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Buggin' is Distracting
Well, searching for grasses leads to searching for wildflowers
leads to finding cool insects...
leads to being more curious about everything...
and then I forget to do other important things like...
leaving the cleaning for later...laundry maybe can wait....
But then I get back at it.
You know, mowing, cleaning, making supper stuff, hanging out laundry...
and then I stop and see...
the bumble bees...
working on the sage plant flowers on the porch...
a little bit later, I drop my basket of clothes and sit to watch a Red Admiral..
he/she is fluttering about on a Forget Me Not flower...
A cardinal swoops into my view and now I have to sit on the porch bench and watch him...
I go back to grab the sheets off the line and checked on my shady wildflower garden. I have to stop again...
more time watching and wondering...
I find the Ultimately Coolest Bug ever...
on a Coreopsis flower...waiting...waiting for a victim...
The Assassin Bug or
Ambush Bug
I watch this insect and wonder why no one has modeled a science fiction creature after this amazing looking insect.
close up...cropped....
I spy...
another type of fly...
on a Hosta Leaf...
time to get back at it...
beds to make, laundry to fold..
but dang, buggin' is a lot more fun...
If it were not for my dad, I may have never picked up this hobby...
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Wonders...
It looked like frost at first.
In my shady wildflower garden, I found these beautiful tiny pink flowers. The flowers themselves are no larger than a pencil eraser.
When I looked at the photo on my laptop, I found this!
with dew on them.
Many mornings, they have
Actually, the mules will eat blossoms
pretty, but not useful