Thursday, May 26, 2011

Around the Pond

It's time for another one of our walks around the pond. I've got a fresh pot of coffee brewing and there's some tea steeping over there. Grab a cup of your preference and let's head out the door.


through the fence
This neighbour's garden always catches my eye just before we enter the park. I like the brilliant contrast of red and yellow spring colours.




curious squirrel
This sweet, little squirrel is watching us from a lichen-covered tree branch. He knows I sometimes bring him peanuts. I don't have any on me today - sorry, buddy.




fav view
I photograph this scene in every season and in all kinds of weather. It's one of my favourite views in the park. Blossoms are in full bloom. Enjoy them - they won't last too long.




blossom through fence
As we move along the walkway, more blossoms are peeking out between the crisscross of the chain-link fence.




old burr
On the other side of the path, I happen to notice a burr just dangling from a twig. I thought it merited a photo.




goosie
Doesn't this Canada Goose look so beautiful in the golden sunlight. Such a regal bird.




angles
Though the ducks caught my eye first, I was taken with how the three different tree parts and their respective reflections made interesting angles in the water.




willow dock
Heading back home, we get a full view of the dock and the budding willow behind it. Isn't spring a great season?

Thanks for joining me on this morning walk. Just leave your empty cup on the counter. I'll have it washed and ready for you for next time.

If you'd like to see a few more images from around this pond (and elsewhere), wander over to Frank's current blog post. He includes some photos of Benny...

57 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this lovely walk - love the way the golden tones shine through your shots.

Brian Miller said...

yay squirrel...they are my fav...nice thistle too and willow...

Anonymous said...

that tree looks exactly like willows i saw on my trip up north at thanksgiving. i never knew they were so brilliantly gold in both spring and fall!

Elizabeth Grimes said...

That willow tree looks neon yellow almost! Beautiful pond. Looks like a perfect day.

Dianne said...

I love the contrast of the sweet little flowers and the chain link
and oh the squirrel is adorable

you take the best walks!

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Thank you, Hilary! I *needed* that 4th cup of coffee this morning -- and even more, I needed the beautiful spring blossoms and greens that fill my vision. Great reflection capture, too!

Robin said...

Beautiful, lazy pictures. Well, they make me lazy looking at them... And on this cold wintry day they warmed me up just a little bit...

San said...

The tree parts and their reflections--what an arresting image. And that big willow reminds me of one we had in our back yard when I was a kid. We considered it our jungle.

Thank you for the coffee. It was brewed to perfection.

DJan said...

I have decided to research cameras and find out what ones take pictures like yours. What do you use? Of course, it's possible it won't make any difference, that your "eye" is the reason for the amazing pictures, but still...

Out on the prairie said...

You found some gorgeous shots.

TexWisGirl said...

i love the black squirrel - i only get to see them if i visit my sis in Wisconsin. and the reflections of the geese and tree stumps, etc. WOW! just loveliness! (and that benny is GREAT!)

Leah J. Utas said...

Magnificent job on the burr.

Bossy Betty said...

I loved our walk! Let's do it again!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I'm just glad to know that there are still some Canada geese in Canada! I thought they had all relocated to the States. :) Those were some interesting angles and reflections in the image with the ducks. That one looks like a pretzel.

Anonymous said...

Spring most certainly is a great season... and I'm in love with that willow tree. We are almost in summertime here now, low 90's and high humidity. I think I will hibernate until autumn arrives. LOL

DI

Anyes said...

Your walks around the pond always enchant me. Thank you Hilary :-)

ellen abbott said...

so glad spring finally made it up your way. it's long gone from here. summer has moved in.

Kristina P. said...

Your neighborhood is so much cooler than mine!

Mental P Mama said...

And a lovely walk it has been....

Daryl said...

Lovely. I have a favorite spot too, I've got shots of it in every season... some spots are perfect like that.

Shrinky said...

Oh I do miss the squirrels, we have none on our island (sigh). Thanks for the cuppa' - I shall fetch a packet of biscuits with me next time I pop by (smile). Your geese are regular visitors to our shore, we used to feed them by the river Thames, in London, when the children were small - they flocked in their hundreds and would cheekily come out of the water to snatch the bread from our hands! (One or two of my little ones occassionally took a tumble that way..)

Another lovely post Hilary. I see it's triggered many memories along with mine.

messymimi said...

Of course spring is a great season.

Maybe we wouldn't enjoy the blooms so much if they lasted longer, but someday i would still like to test that theory. Like the kid who at least wants to try ice cream for 3 meals a day to see if she really would get sick of it.;)

Indrani said...

Lovely walk, thanks for the sights! :)

Mage said...

Yes, it did merit a photo. :) Have a lovely spring day.

Redbush said...

What a gorgeous walk around the pond, and with a delicious cup of coffee! I love the Canada goose reflections, and the blossoms peeking through the chain link.

Anvilcloud said...

I think you should provide the coffee too.

photowannabe said...

I grabbed a cup of coffee and completely loved my walk around the pond with you.
The golden sunlight on the goose and the blossom peaking through the chain-linked fence are true prize winners.
Hilary, your eye is amazing.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thank-you.The coffee was great,but not nearly as good as walking with a friend and enjoying such beauty.Thanks for inviting me to join you.

Reb said...

Thanks for the tea and the lovely walk. Love the photos of the Canada Goose, the ducks and the willow. It was a great day for getting reflections.

Reena said...

I so enjoyed that walk ... and all critters on the way. Spring is soon leaving us here ... temps in the 90's today after weeks of rainy weather. All my blooms are gone. :(

Frank Baron said...

Good stuff as usual, Hil. I really like the squirrel shot. I'm hoping to get that kind of detail with the new camera.

Thanks for the plug. :)

Cloudia said...

healing images, thanks!




Aloha from Honolulu

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Barbara said...

I love walking with you!

Rosaria Williams said...

That willow would keep me happy for many hours. Thanks for the walk.

Barb said...

I'm weeping for that willow photo - the yellow sweeping branches are wonderful. I love the burr and the delicate flower behind the chain link, too. Walking with you is always a joy, Hilary.

Dawn said...

The chain fence blossoms are my absolute favorite. Beautiful walk.

SandyCarlson said...

That's a very beautiful walkabout. that Canada goose has my heart. What a beauty. Beautiful framing of the tulips, too. All so lovely.

Red said...

Spring is great this year just because we finally got it.
As always grat photos and a great trip.

steviewren said...

It seems odd to see the flowers blooming there that have been gone at least two months from here. I'd love it if Spring lasted 4 months before Summer began. It's such a beautiful time of year.

Hilary said...

• Lady Fi, thank you. I'm glad you joined me. :)

• Thanks for stopping by, Brian. :)

• Jillsy, they do have amazing colour in both seasons. Wonderful trees, aren't they? :)

• Elizabeth, it appears that way with its new spring growth, and again in the autumn. It was a great day, thanks. :)

• Thank you, Dianne. They're always made sweeter when you join me. :)

• Thank you so kindly, KC. I'm glad I could oblige on all counts. :)

• Thanks, Robin, but I sure don't envy your wintry days. I'm glad my photos warmed you some. :)

• San, always good to see you drop by. I can see why you considered the willow a jungle.. with all it long-hanging wisps. Thanks for the visit. :)

• DJan, I hope you got my email reply to your question. I sent it off to your gmail account as soon as I saw your comment. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Steve. :)

• Texwisgirl, thanks so much for your kind comments. I'm sure glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• Thank you, Leah. :)

• Betty, I'm game! :)

• Never fear, Linda. There are (too) many of them around here. I had to go back to see which one looked like a pretzel and I guess you meant the wood log. I was trying to picture a twisted pretzel and just couldn't .. then I saw the pretzel stick. Now I'm craving a salty snack.. thanks a lot! ;)

• Di, I am quite enjoying the season as it is right now but I do look forward to the heat of summer. I was meant for this time of year. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Anyes, thank you so much. I'm thrilled that you joined me. It's much more fun that way. :)

• Ellen, I'll welcome summer when she arrives too. Right now, I'm quite enjoying this weather. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Kristina, ya think? :)

• Thanks, MPM. Mostly because you joined me. :)

• Daryl, thanks. You're quite right about that. This one reflects each season so perfectly. :)

Hilary said...

• Shrinky, thank you so much for the kind words. I love it when a photo or post triggers fond memories. Thanks for sharing yours in return. :)

• MessyMimi, I would like to test that theory too. It's kind of like how we might not appreciate summer as much if it weren't for the harsh winters. But just once, I'd like to find out. ;)

• Thank you, Indrani. I'm glad you joined me. :)

• Maggie, thanks kindly. :)

• Redbush, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here. :)

• AC, I thought I did.. just as you came in. Maybe Redbush finished the last cup. ;)

• Thank you so kindly, Sue. I'm always happy to have you along on our walks. You always say the nicest things. Please show Anvilcloud (above you) where the coffee is. He's having trouble finding it. ;)

• Ruth, thank you for such sweet words. That truly means a lot to me. I'm always happy when you drop by. :)

• Reb, thank you kindly. I'm glad you enjoyed it all. :)

• Missing Moments, we're expecting some very hot weather soon too but not until after we get some cool, rainy weather tomorrow. Summer flowers will soon take the place of your missing blooms. Worry not. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Frank. I'm sure you have some beauties by now. I'm looking forward to swapping... lenses with you again tomorrow. ;)

• Thanks for the visit, Cloudia. :)

• Thanks, Barbara. That pleases me because I love having you along. :)

• Rosaria, that willow makes me smile daily. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Barb, thank you so kindly. Your sweet comment means a lot to me. I'm glad you could join me. :)

• Dawn, thanks very much. I'm glad you could stop by. :)

• Sandy, thanks so much. I'll have a goose pic for you sometime next week that I'm sure you'll love. Thanks always for your kind words. :)

• Red, thank you kindly. I think the longer we have to wait for spring, the more we appreciate it. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Steviewren, I wouldn't complain if this weather stuck around for a few months like you said, but it would have to be in place of winter. I'm not giving up my summer for anything! Thanks for the visit. :)

Fragrant Liar said...

A lovely walk, as always. I enjoyed the goose most of all. Very regal fellow. It looked like a perfect day for a nature walk. And a cup of joe.

Sueann said...

The willow is gorgeous!! So big!! Wow!
And the pops of color in your neighbors yard so beautiful. I too love spring. Seeing everything begin to show their true colors. So exciting!
Hugs
SueAnn

Zuzana said...

What a lovely walk, so much beauty. I always enjoy seeing the nature through your eyes.;)
The last image has so much feel of spring about it, such a true awakening.
Have a lovely weekend dear Hilary,
xoxo

CiCi said...

You are a true artist to be able to see beauty in a lone hanging burr. Thanks for the lovely stroll.

Glo said...

A delightful walk around the pond ~ I thought the Canada Goose looked very regal in its golden splendour! Your squirrel is looking for your famed peanuts. Have you ever seen any white squirrels? Apparently they abide in Ontario!

sage said...

I love to be on the river when the red buds are blooming--don't think I'll make it this year as the water is way high (out of the banks at most places) and I have only a week before I leave. Nice walk!

Karen said...

From the burr to the weeping willow, I loved the walk and wanted that bit of coffee. :)

Joanna Jenkins said...

Red poppies always make me smile-- THey're gorgeous next to the vibrant yellow.

Gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing your walk with us.

Hope your weekend is great. xo jj

Maggie May said...

The squirrel and the lovely weeping willow and the reflections on the pond did grip me first!
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Pauline said...

I'll just stay a moment to rinse out my teacup (thank you) and tell you how beautiful the shadblow is (that's what the white blossomed trees look like in photo #3) and how much I enjoyed the pond's geometry lesson (though math is my least favorite subject!) The close up of the regal goose was quite nice, too. Back soon...

Unknown said...

Life!!! Life bursts forth! And what's not to love?

I am planning some lakeside walks with my hubby, the Big Bison, as soon as may be!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Thanks for the stroll. Love all the stuff around the pond, but especially that willow tree!

Shammickite said...

I'm amazed that you found some blue sky at your pond after all this rain we have been having. I think I am developing webbed feet!

Hilary said...

• Thanks FL. I'm glad you could join me on the walk and that you liked the photos. :)

• Thank you, SueAnn. It seems like we were waiting so long for spring to arrive in earnest. Now that it's here it seems more beautiful than ever. I'm glad you stopped by. :)

• Thanks very much, Zuzana. It's always a joy to experience the flowers blooming and colours blossoming forth after the long, drab winter. Thanks for the visit and for your always-kind words. :)

• Well thank YOU, TechnoBabe. You never fail to make me smile with your warm comments. :)

• Thank you, Glo. I know someone who has seen a white squirrel but I've never had the pleasure to see one for myself. It sure would be a treat though. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Sage, if you miss the opportunity this year, it will just be all the more enjoyable next year. Besides, it sure is a worthwhile trade-off. :) Thank you for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Karen. I'm so glad that you joined me then.. in walking and for the coffee. :)

• Thanks so much, Joanna. I'm pleased that you enjoyed. Those red flowers are actually very open tulips. I can see though how they do look like poppies. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Maggie May. It's always nice to know you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Thank you so very much, Pauline. I was thinking that the blossoms were crab apple trees but you could well be right. Your always-kind words me so much to me. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• So true, Susan. I hope it won't be long at all until you and your Big Bison are enjoying the lovely weather, and walking his way back to health. May he grow stronger every day. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Pat. That willow tree is certainly a favourite of mine, too. It looks beautiful in every season.. but expecially in spring. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Shammie, we've certainly had excessive amounts of rain but we've been able to enjoy some nice, sunny stretches, too. At least an hour or two every three days. ;) Thanks for the visit. :)

Kat said...

Beautiful spring photos. I think my favorite is the last shot. I just love that gorgeous tree. It glows. Wow. :)

Hilary said...

Thanks very much, Kat. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)