Photo of the day - Would you like jelly on that?

From the Fort Fisher Aquarium in NC.

Photos of the day - From warp speed to a snail's pace

As I was rushing this morning to get myself in the car (running late as usual), hubby directed me to look down. I never would have noticed this little guy. It was a reminder to me that it's important to look around once in awhile and appreciate the beauty of this life. It's easy to forget in the daily hustle and bustle all of the beauty that surrounds us. I stopped for a moment and watched the little guy, and ran inside and grabbed my camera (what was one more extra minute?).I have to admit, I've never even noticed all the lines and translucency in a snail's shell. They're beautiful.

Photo of the Day - What is this?

Photo of the Day - Peony

Did you know the delicate, fragrant petals of peonies are opened by busy little ants? It's true.
This photo was taken at my mom's a few years ago. I thought I'd post it just to show you.

They have a great many varieties of peonies at Duke Gardens, but my favorites were the classic pale pink.

Photo of the Day - Irises

Until my trip yesterday to Duke Gardens, I really had no idea how many iris varieties there are. It's not just a difference in color either. Being near the end of their season, I didn't photograph all the varieties there, but take my word for it.

Photos of the Day - Spring Blooms

There was a time, not too long ago, when I used to post photos of the day. I don't know why I stopped. Yesterday I spent my day with moms, including my own. My mom has a beautiful garden. Actually it's her whole yard that is landscaped gardens. I'm always inspired by the flowers.

Photos of the Day - Iced in

At 9 months pregnant, I am not permitted by my husband, nor myself for that matter, to play on the slick roads with the haphazard SUV drivers. So here I sit alone, ordered to keep off my feet for the day. Of course I'm going to be doing a little cooking, but I've taken a few minutes to rekindle some of my love for photography. Ice is an interesting study...So are flowers. I received a beautiful bouquet from my boss for my baby shower a couple of weeks ago. These gorgeous roses and my favorite fragrant stargazer lilies...
Try to stay warm today, wherever you are. I'm off to search for something worthwhile to watch on daytime television!

Snow day!

I was told this morning I'm not permitted to leave the house with the snowy conditions outdoors, because I'm "carrying precious cargo". I have to say I agree the saved vacation day wouldn't have been worth the risk. Guess what I'm going to do with a day cooped up by myself?

I started this morning with what I'll call a chicken enchilada soup. And after I blog last night's soup, I'll head off to bake some snickerdoodles. Photos and recipes to come!

Photo of the Day - Wintery wisp

Photo of the Day - Piper

It seems that to fly exerts way more energy or finesse then to run when it comes to these little guys. I watched wave after wave chase them up the shore. They're quite fast on foot too.

It could be your backyard...

Please, if you have a moment to spare, please help some old friends of mine. I received an email today asking me for help regarding an issue in Hillsborough, NC. The county has proposed putting a 160 acre landfill behind his father's property.

He writes that, not only will this stink, and destroy property value for much of the community, the EPA shows that the proposed area would have severe environmental impact on the water table (the well water would be undrinkable) as well as destroying plant and animal life.

Please help stop this. All you have to do is send 1 email to the following commissioners:
barryj@earthlink.net
vfoushee@co.orange.nc.us
mcarey5@nc.rr.com
gordon.alice@gmail.com
mikenelsonnc@aol.com
dbaker@co.orange.nc.us

With the following in the subject line:
"I oppose sites 857 and 573 for the transfer station"

This email opposition is being counted and will help tremendously.
For more information, please visit this site.

Thank you for your support.

Photo of the Day - Gateway

Our gateway to a peaceful, fun weekend at Carolina beach.

Photo of the Day - A girl and her horse

Friday evening I went to watch my oldest niece at her horseback riding lessons. She's a natural on horseback. It had been ages since I had been near horses. I took lessons when I was about her age but stopped when I was thrown. I had forgotten how they are gentle animals, full of character and affection.Sergeant here would follow me no matter where I stood outside of his stall. His gaze was engaging and steady and set me at ease. Later we discovered why...We whipped out the bag of carrots and made friends for life with each and every horse in the stable!

Photo Study - 4 hours post Hanna

Our house and yard actually fared extremely well in the storm. We took a walk this morning and found not everyone to be so lucky. Ellerbee creek is finally a rushing (make that raging) creek and Northgate park was more like, well, Northgate pond (at least at the south end). When I returned an hour later with my camera to capture images, more then half of the water that had flooded the park had receeded, but what was left was still pretty amazing.

The north end of the park is the higher end so it just had a little excess water and was beautifully green as always.





The south end wasn't as fortunate. As earlier mentioned, when we attempted to walk through this end an hour prior to this photo, there was no path and the water was about 6 inches deep and looked a lot like a pond.

The street and sidewalks were littered with these little guys forced down early by the rain and winds.

Ellerbee Creek was filled to the brim and looked like the chocolate river in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Photo of the Day - Woven

Photo of the Day - Grasshopper weather

Photo of the Day - Flutter by

Photo of the Day - June bride

Photo of the Day - Wish I were there

Topsail beach, April 28, 2007.

Photo of the day - I'd rather be fishing

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a trip up to see the sea lions. This one seemed so excited that I couldn't help but photograph him or her.