Summer's End

I'm back from our time up at the cottage and boy, do I have a lot of catching up to do. It seems that none of you stop blogging just because I'm away, and I have hundreds of posts to visit. Eventually.

None of these photos were posted before but you may find some of the items familiar, as they were photographed from different angles and used in previous posts.

To me, they represent some of the best of the summer season, as it now passes so quickly into autumn. Take a deep breath and enjoy some of the colourful summer offerings.

I have no idea what this pink, spiky pod is but it reminded me of a Koosh ball. It was a windy day, so the image isn't in great focus but I still liked the look.

I can't help but think of the late, great Erma Bombeck whenever I see a bowl of cherries. One of her humourous books was titled "If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What am I Doing in the Pits?"

Black-eyed Susans are always cheery to see on a late August stroll.

A maple leaf, glistens after a summer rain.

A coneflower, with it's beautiful deep pink petals

Another pod - milkweed this time.

And a bright yellow sunflower turns its shy face away from the camera.

Summer's Best

The beautiful shades, sights, sounds and smells of summer never fail to make me sigh. Below are a few images taken in the warmth of August.

Black-eyed Susans grow in the field across the road from Frank's place. We wandered out there one day, with cameras in tow.

Along with the Susans are Cone Flowers, also known as Echinacea. It's brilliant pink petals are very attractive to butterflies - none of which were cooperating with us that day.

Another lovely flower along with the above two, is this purple beauty. I don't know what it's called but I have faith in you fine people. One of you will inform me, I'm sure. I hope. You can make out some more Cone flowers faded into background.

And if you lean in close to this one, and maybe squint a little, you'll see the bonus insect that appeared to me when I uploaded the photo.

Another insect, easier to see this time. The bees were all over these flowers. Still, I had a hard time getting a really good shot. I still need time to get used to this macro lens. Lots and lots of time. Can you hear me, Frank? ;)

Aside from the obvious, which is well-fed birdies, another benefit of leaving quality seed out for our feathered friends is the unexpected growth of sunflowers in the yard. This beauty appeared just past the edge of my patio.

And last but never least, one of the best part of summer are delicious Rainier cherries - so sweet, so dense, so juicy. Yum!

Back in a few days with more photos.