Flowers, Foliage and Friends

Every now and then I have a bunch of photos left on my hard drive which never got posted in their time. These were taken during my last couple of weeks living at my old home. The weather stayed warmer there and flowers lasted longer than they did up here. It was as if summer had lived on when everywhere else had turned to autumn.

So enjoy a reprieve of the season with these summer-like images before yet another snowfall arrives. There's a big one due today.


When forsythia are in bloom, we usually know that spring has finally arrived. This typically occurs in April or May. The unusual thing about this particular plant is that it was photographed in partial bloom on the 17th of October. Don't try telling the blossoms or ants that they're out of season. It doesn't appear that they would believe you anyway.






The spindle berry is one flower which is at its peak during the autumn season. This bud is green throughout the summer and slowly turns pink in early autumn. It eventually splits open to reveal the bright orange berry which fades very slowly throughout the winter. You can often see the orange seed wearing a snowy winter coat well into February. Right now, in this October 29th image, they're at their colourful prime.






One of my favourite wildflowers it chicory. Its brilliant blue petals contrast nicely with the autumn leaves behind it. This too, was near the end of October.






Pretty pink flowers which kept blooming late into October at a local butterfly garden.






Maple leaves shine brilliantly against the deepening blue sky.






Another sweet yellow October holdout.







And the sunflower - a little worse for wear but always lovely from every angle.






One of my favourite vine-growers - the morning glory. I think I'll have to plant some of these next year.






Even flowers which have lost their petals can be lovely in autumn.







The mighty oak is especially beautiful in October.







A decorative cabbage catches the sunlight and produces a brilliant magenta glow.






I don't know what it's called but it's fluffy and wispy and it caught my eye.






Backlit by the sun, these leaves almost seem to be able to catch its fire.






A tiny ladybug making her way along the boards of the pond's dock. This was one of the last walks I took at my old place.






My ex-neighbour (that still tugs at the heart) and still-good-friend Caroline's house. I already miss our morning walks and chats and our weekend drinks and laughs. I think you're overdue for another visit up here, Caroline!

That's it for now. More coming up soon.

The Colours of the Spirit

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The very pink of perfection. ~ Oliver Goldsmith

There's something very soft and dreamy about a tiny pink blossom about to open.

Birds have wings; they're free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy. ~ Roger Tory Peterson

This was supposed to be a photo of a grackle on that branch but the grackle thought otherwise. He wins. But so do I.

How brave a ladybug must be!

Each drop of rain is big as she.

Can you imagine what you'd do,

If raindrops fell as big as you?

~ Aileen Fisher

I snapped several dozen photos of this little lady. She was very accommodating.

These flowers, which were splendid and sprightly, waking in the dawn of the morning, in the evening will be a pitiful frivolity, sleeping in the cold night's arms. ~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca

These were once tiny peachy-russet coloured blossoms. They're still pretty even when their petals are missing.

The concrete walkway is a masterpiece…

chalk lines of sunshine yellow, serene blue,

cotton candy pink and soft grass green

create a wonderful place where children drew

~ Theresa Ann Moore

Some creative children decided to brighten the sidewalk... and my day.

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? ~ Rose Kennedy

The late day sunlight caught the tree's branches and the Redwing blackbird's tail feathers, and turned them all to gold.

Rise and put on your foliage, and be seen

To come forth, like the springtime, fresh and green.

~ Robert Herrick

That beautiful sun shines her spotlight once again. These lovely new leaves are backlit by her warming rays.

Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue? ~ James Montgomery

These pretty little Grape hyacinth, standing on tippy-toes, trying so hard to appear large in stature - when in truth, they're only about three inches tall.

Some people are uncomfortable with the idea that humans belong to the same class of animals as cats and cows and raccoons. They're like the people who become successful and then don't want to be reminded of the old neighborhood. ~ Phil Donahue

My next-door neighbour, Caroline came to my front door suggesting I head out to the back yard with my camera. From her own yard, she could see this daring (and darling) little bandit trying to figure out my anti-squirrel bird feeder. She wasn't overly greedy or destructive, and left the feeder intact with plenty of seed for the birds. She's been back a few times since. Did I ever mention how very much I love raccoons?

Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another drink. ~ W.C. Fields

This was a long walk on a sunny day. Have a seat. I'll pour you a beer. There's also wine, juice or water, if you prefer.

Thanks for joining me on another stroll. I'll have more photos in a few days.