WISHNIK WOODS

New Beginnings...

2010-09-03T10:23:00.009-04:00

I'd like to start by saying hello to everyone who may still check in on this blog. It's beginning to look like fall here in the woods! Where did summer go?! I hope you are all doing well.

My photography is selling and I'm enjoying the fact that others appreciate the small wonders of my woods. A big thank you to anyone who has acquired one of my captures!

I have switched to another artist site and I have a gallery there to showcase my captures...

http://kim-doran.artistwebsite

At Fine Art America...they offer your usual prints(framed or unframed), greeting cards and beautiful canvas art prints as well. Stop by for a visit... I will continually be adding new captures.

Take Care!

2009-12-23T05:37:00.003-05:00

AS PROMISED...

2009-09-20T06:55:00.018-04:00

Where do I begin? First of all, thank you to all of you who have contacted me with concern. I promised that I would explain what has been going on with me...and here it is. You all know of my connection issues, and over time (possibly tower changes), blogging and commenting on other blogs has been extremely time consuming and many times impossible. I feel fairly confident that you all understand that I'm not a blogger snob. Time is a precious gift, and I have chosen to spend my time this summer outdoors and not in front of this computer.

I have pain from spinal issues...the hours spent sitting in front of my computer must be limited. To those of you who have shown concern in this area, I'm okay...looking forward to four injections next week to hopefully knock the pain out! Maybe this will be the magic bullet, and I'll be dancing once again! Love those thumping, bumping 80's songs!

After much encouragement from family, friends, and blogging buddies...I have joined Artist Rising. My captures can be seen and available for purchase through my gallery at artistrising.com. I am continually uploading new captures, as I have hundreds of photographs from these past few months alone. Currently, I have about 60 photos available in my gallery.

I recieve a minimum amount on any of my photography sold...but it is a starting point, as I don't have the necessary equipment to print and sell from home. This also gives me an opportunity to see how much interest my captures generate.

At my gallery, you can enlarge the photographs. You can choose a capture and view it in a matted frame of your choice of color/style...you can even see how it looks against your wallcolor. I've had family members in the past purchase just the photography(not mine...yet!), and do their own matting and framing as a more affordable option. It is an interesting site. If you are a member(or wish to log-in) and truly do enjoy my photography...do me a favor and click on ...I like this artist. I'm not sure what the benefits are of this feature, if nothing else...you'll bring me a smile. Along with every capture is a short description. I posted a new post on my hummingbird also, someday I'm sure I'll be posting again. I do miss connecting with all of you, but for now, I'm walking a new path in Wishnik Woods...what dreams may come?

PREENING OF A HUMMINGBIRD...

2009-07-04T07:14:00.010-04:00

My hummingbird displays his grooming techniques. When a bird preens, it is a process in which they groom and care for their feathers.

They use their beak to pick through their feathers...

Removing any debris...

and arrange feathers that are out of place.

The bird will distribute...

a special oil...

that is secreted from a gland...

at the base of its' tail.

This oil helps to keep the birds' feathers healthy and shiny.

MAY AND JUNE...4 (SMALL CREATURES)

2009-06-25T06:08:00.014-04:00

Whatever you were just thinking while looking at this...is pretty much what I thought when I first saw these. I was shocked when I came upon these, as I walked closer to them (I think with my mouth open in awe!), they all moved at once.....SYNCHRONIZED!! It turns out that they are European Pine Sawfly larvae of a primitive wasp-like insect that prefers Mugho pine and rarely feeds on Ponderosa. Lucky me, these larvae fed on both in my woods. They move branch to branch stripping the tree of its' needles. The larvae raise their heads and tails in a threatening manner to scare off intruders in a synchronized fashion. It has got to be one of the wildest, strangest things I have seen! Fortunately, the birds ate them, but I'm sure I'll have some next year, from fallen larvae. They are the most common sawfly to infest Pines.

My kids always called these...stinky bugs. I have no idea what it is.

A young dragonfly clings to an orange Lily on the woods' edge across the pond. Dragonflies and flowers...it doesn't get much better for me. This was on one of my early morning walks.

A makeshift wooden bridge covers what I call a "sometimes creek". When my daylilies or daisies fall over and onto the bridge, that's where they stay! I like that loose, casual, natural look. Obviously, this flower was meant to be here, because from my kitchen window I snapped this photo of two butterflies sharing this flower.

Apologies to any guests that have seen and read the post dedicated to my new favorite damsel on my other blog...but, this Ebony Jewelwing damsel is simply a beauty...she deserves another showing. The male is also featured on my damsels and dragons blog. The bodies are brilliant metallic green and blue...and how awesome are those black wings!

MAY AND JUNE...3 (THE BIRDS!)

2009-06-24T17:22:00.015-04:00

Sleeping safe and snug among the cattails, is one of at least three nests of baby Red-Winged Blackbirds that called Wishnik Woods home.

Sure...they're cute now...

This little one snuck out of his nest a little too soon, his Mama wasn't happy. I was maybe two and a half feet from this baby when I took these photos. He was stranded on the ponds' edge in plant growth hanging over the water. Actually, the female adult builds the nest just inches above the waters surface. This little guy couldn't even manage a peep as wide as his mouth is open. I wasn't sure if he was trying to warn me or expecting food...maybe trying to yell help! I would've got in the canoe and put him back in his nest if necessary...his Mama came through for him.

We had maybe five minutes or so, up close and personal with each other. The adult Red-Wings are extremely territorial and EXTREMELY noisy about it! I will show them on another post. They are known to attack larger creatures and humans. They gather and live in colonies, which makes it even noisier. It was peculiar that once I sat down near this baby, and talked to it the whole time...the others became completely quiet. Mama positioned herself close by, Dad and the others close by as well...but all that screeching and squawking stopped.

Cute...yes...until they grow up and eat my dragonflies. The dragons are their favorite insect...and I watched helplessly as they dived mid-air for their treats. They also searched through the plant life around the pond and ate many immature damsels and dragons.

DEMON BIRDS!!!!

Behind my largest Weigela bush, between the cabin and the pond, hangs my first Bluebird house. I never saw Bluebirds, let alone in my woods, so I was anxious to see if my 'Bluebirds of Happiness' would come. They did, but first they had to kick out the first tenants...which I'm not sure which type of bird they were.

The cozy wooden home was in perfect view from my kitchen window. These two photos were taken through my window. The female did most of the work, it seemed the male did alot of supervising!

I got a real thrill when the male and female would rest on the low branches. I'd swear they listened to me singing (yep, now I think I'm Snow White!). It was great...I had my Bluebirds...expecting babies...and one day they were gone. Just like that. Now, I did see a feather on the porch, but not from the Bluebirds. The house was probably too low...within climbing range for the cats. Honestly, though, I feel The bully Red-Winged Blackbirds chased them away. Maybe it was a little of both....maybe....they didn't like my singing...NO?!

My happiness came and went...I wonder where? I wonder if they are still in my woods. So very pretty, aren't they?

MAY AND JUNE...2 (SMALL CREATURES)

2009-06-21T07:51:00.017-04:00

Along my walks, I always see some other living creature...no matter how small...going about their daily life. How interesting each of them are to behold...I wonder if they actually are capable of appreciating a beautiful day as we do?

MAY AND JUNE...1 (BLOOMS)

2009-06-16T05:15:00.019-04:00

David Phlox in a small bed near the ponds' edge. These stand between my Weeping Cherry tree (which the beetles have begun to attack!) and a Hydrangea bush. Just to the right begins the largest patch of Cattails, which most of them are over six feet tall.

Miniature yellow roses on a dark day...a little sun peeked out just briefly when I took this photo.

Wild rambling roses grow in masses around the woods. They send off a rosey musk scent...mmm..mmm...good...I love musk. It doesn't matter how dark the day, flowers always do their best to make you smile.

Pin Cushion is the common name, it's known as an easy plant to grow. I've had every color available, but only this variety has pulled through. Mine have drowned in late winter thaws due to excess moisture in our amended clay soil. The butterflies love them. Before I had all of my cats, these were some of my favorites to place in simple vases or jars around the cabin.

The basic fanciful Iris soaking up the sun in the rock garden between the woods and the dock. I enjoy looking at the flowers in every light...the many moods. Here she is... basking in the sun.

Wild Phlox grows along our drive and scattered in the woods. The bunch shown is growing next to our waterfalls. Wild Phlox goes hand in hand with living in the country. I have the white and purple varieties that pop up here and there.
The true Johnson Blue Geranium, has begun to bloom. My first bloom of the season growing at the base of an Iris plant next to the pond. I love the different textures and forms taking shape as everything comes to life.
The petite Lily of the Valley peeks out. For such a tiny showing, they sure exude a heavenly scent. This was among some hostas that my brother and his wife gave us when we first started planting here. Just recently I found out that they were initially from my sisters-in-laws grandmothers' garden. This made them all the more special. I didn't know they had bloomed until I walked past that garden and their perfume filled the air.

My Marguerite Daisy...I have these growing all over... here and there. Daisies to me add a light-hearted, whimsical feel wherever they call home.

APRIL INTO MAY...5

2009-05-06T10:10:00.022-04:00

After its' aerial acrobats show, this dragonfly decided to get a closer look at his/her audience. All around me it glided, hovering in the breeze... several times within a foot or so of my face. Finally choosing a grassy patch to rest upon within a few feet from where I was sitting on the dock. I took that as an invite for a photo shoot! I proceeded off the deck onto the grassy bank and started clicking away...each time stepping closer...still clicking. At this point, Bandit and Patches (my cats) joined me. I saw Patches in the crouch position ready to leap...I yelled no and quickly placed a firm hand down on her back. She coiled back to me...not happy. I quickly placed my hand firmly down on her again...it was too late. Out from under my hand she leaped...she had another prey in her sights as she kept going...not my winged performer. But, with the initial landing of her first pounce, she landed on my dragonfly. I was horrified! I slowly walked up to the dragon...its' head lower to the ground.. appearing to still be intact, yet, motionless. I ever so softly stroked the length of its' body...thinking what a shame this beauty cannot enjoy life anymore. Amazingly, the small head slowly raised and fell...

and then it raised and turned to look at me. Thinking that maybe I'm causing more pain, I stopped my gentle strokes and placed my open palm about two inches on the ground in front of him/her. Slowly...the dragonfly walked to and onto my hand.

(reminds me of sheer stained glass)

All in all, we bonded for maybe fifteen minutes. I took a seat back on the dock, the dragonfly walked all over my hand, then on to my thighs, climbing up my shirt towards my face...which I then put my hand out for it to climb back on...it did. Of course, the whole time I'm talking to this small creature. No...don't worry, I didn't hear a little voice answering me back!

It was tough taking photos so close as I held it. After viewing the many captures I took, I think there was damage to its' leg. Dragonflies catch their prey from above and use their legs in a basket formation to carry the prey. I hope this one pulls through o.k. It finally spread its' wings and took off, circling me a few times, landed once again on my shirt ...looking up at me...and then flew off to enjoy life.

Peek-a-boo?! ...um...I see you. This damselfly wouldn't be good at Hide-n-Seek either....too cute, huh?!

In an aching need to see flowers and more color surrounding me...my husband came through with a surprise of three baskets of Pansies. Pansies are real eye candy at this time of the year... deep yellows, royal purples, dark and chiffon blues, just to mention a few colors. Enticing our senses... an appetizer... for more blooms to come this summer.

This dainty damselfly was the first of the season!

Two Japanese Willow trees and five or six Japanese Willow bushes grace our pond. I absolutely love these willows...they sway with every breeze...they keep pace with the rippling surface of the water every time the breeze picks up. New growth is the prettiest...sheer layers of new leaf in shades of salmon pink nestled among the mottled cream and green leaves.

Everything is beautiful...in it's own way. At least that's what the song said!

What a beautiful sight! After many sunny afternoon rendezvous with the male, this female Springtime Darner deposits her eggs.

Strawberry blooms are peeking out
The petite Muscari are all showing off their Spring blue bonnets.
A Dogwood bloom...

Up close and personal with a mature Dogwood tree growing in the wild, this is the view. Beautiful creamy blooms reaching towards the blue skies...ahhh...Spring!

APRIL INTO MAY...4

2009-05-06T09:31:00.010-04:00

The understory of our woods are finally rising and shining. This hosta is one of many varieties that I have, they were all given to me by family and friends when we first bought our property. I was walking through the woods noticing all the different forms and intricate patterns taking shape in this spring season.

Dogwood trees dot the woods this May, even the underside of bracts are attractive.

The fungus growing on fallen logs even offers different color palettes, blending with falls' little treasures still covering the ground.

Reaching for the sun...

A Dogwood "bloom" actually consists of four bracts with 15-20 small flowers in the center.

Acorns...more remainders of fall...the squirrels are slacking!
Does anyone know what these are?....I really don't want to say what we referred to them as when we were children, I'm sure some of you used to call them the same!
Moss....everywhere. I love moss, it's as if the woods are carpeted. We have many varieties of moss here, too.

My ferns are sprouting from underneath the leaves...love the texture and shape of them in the Spring. They remind me of serpents rising and unfurling from the sea!

APRIL INTO MAY...3

2009-05-06T09:08:00.009-04:00

The undergrowth in the woods is sprouting a variety of interesting shapes and colors. At this point, this bush almost looks tropical.

The top of a Ponderosa Pine sporting a growth spurt! This is kind of neat to watch over the course of time...each day, you never know what it's going to look like...it changes shape that quickly.

Same variety of plant as the first capture...in an earlier stage.

The Eastern Redbuds are beginning to leaf out now and take on a new look for Spring.

Apple tree buds and blooms

A damselfly enjoying the sunset
The Pear tree blooms... with the setting sun coloring the woods in the distance.
Almost looks like blooms...this was some type of slow growing pine tree given to us...the blushing peach is new growth.

Can a flower look happy?!

APRIL INTO MAY...2

2009-05-03T13:41:00.017-04:00

My bleeding heart against her feathery foliage

Yes...I have an obsession with rocks, it's that whole concept of contrasts. As my ferns soak up the sun, she plays with the ability to create shadows...I found this play interesting against the textured rock. This particular rock is next to our largest waterfall...we have so many fern varieties growing in the woods, all I need to do is take a little walk when I want a fern.

Wild Violets scattered here and there are common now here in the woods...I find them most attractive after a light rain, surrounded by the darkened fall leaves that blanket the floor of the woods.

The tall Ponderosa Pines are showing off their new growth...these pines are plentiful at Wishnik Woods.

Pear tree blooms just beginning to open

My first waterlily pad surfaced....here it is almost sundown. The gold you see is the sunset reflecting. Hmmm???...must be a fish or two underneath playing hide-n-seek?! Something from below kept that pad bopping just slightly.
Not the best capture...but look...my dragonflies are back! The male and female Springtime Darners were all about eachother...ahhh...love is in the air!
Ummm....not sure! I received a few flowering bushes as freebies from a nursery a few years ago...this is one of them...beautiful Spring bud, though!

My flowering grass...so dainty...so delicate

APRIL INTO MAY...1

2009-04-29T21:45:00.011-04:00

I like to place bulbs all around the woods' edge...here, the daffodils greet you as you begin your walk up this path.

While looking down on the ponds' edge for my dragonflies, I liked how the Weeping Cherry tree framed my view of the pond. This poor tree was a skeleton by summers' end, due to the Japanese beetles feasting on its' leaves. It was a breezy day, my capture isn't the sharpest and my tree barely made it for the big Spring presentation...but, you get the idea.

A couple here... and a couple there

I have pink, purple and yellow hyacinths scattered in my beds.

Some form of wild flowering grass that begins to bloom in April and profusely in May. This grows in mass all along two sides of the pond...so pretty in the dappled shade, isn't it?

Confession...these two tulip plants I claimed off of Moms' Easter dinner table setting...both were planted along the waterfall edges.

Enjoying the warmth of a sunset

MARCH TO APRIL...6

2009-04-13T19:40:00.014-04:00

It's time for me to play catch up with my journal here at Wishnik Woods. It's been over two weeks since I've posted due to technical problems ....again. We had a virus and attempted to install a couple of new security programs, hopefully we found a good match now. Life has been a whirlwind these past couple of weeks. Among it all, we also had to put down one of our indoor cats, Isabelle. She was a sweet, tiny cat who suffered from kidney failure. She looked just like her mom, Patches, except with long hair. It wasn't an easy thing to do, I'll miss her.

Spring has finally arrived, but as usual, old man winter still made a few final appearances. March and April this year have been extremely windy for us, challenging me as I was trying to photograph. We have had a potpourri of weather, as you will see in these six part posts. This post represents the most current conditions, as you go back to part one...I'm taking through mid-April back to March. My Daffodils weathered warm temps in the 60's, and a day later were snow covered. This cycle has been repeated and it's amazing how they have survived and still look beautiful through all of the seasons' changes. Notice how the bees have survived as you go through the posts, it's interesting that when I first saw them in early March, with no blooms to rely on, they invaded my bird feeders. After that, they moved unto the Redbud blooms and then my Japanese Willows.

On an early morning walk, my daffodils shimmered with ice crystals... they almost appear to be sprinkled with coconut!

I couldn't resist photographing this shot. At the end of the waterfalls, leading into the pond, this daffodil and her silhouette are striking against the backdrop as the sunset graces the waters' surface. What could be more perfect? A dragonfly casually perched on top of the stem!

A Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree is presenting her Spring blooms. This beauty is located on the ponds' edge, by late July, practically every leaf is eaten by Japanese beetles.

Even though the dandelions are considered a menace, I actually like the flower itself...looks like I'm not the only one. Now that I've finally caught up with my posting, it's time I play catch up enjoying other blogs.

MARCH TO APRIL...5

2009-04-13T06:02:00.014-04:00

MARCH TO APRIL...4

2009-04-13T05:12:00.009-04:00

The ric-rac pattern of the branches frames the rising moon.

Frantically searching for pollen, the bees are bombarding all of my Japanese Willow bushes and trees.

We usually hear the wild turkeys when they land on top of the cabin and walk around...not to be outdone...O.J. attempts and succeeds to land on the cabin roof!

On a walk along the back edge of our property, an old ragged Apple Tree still manages to show off her emerging pastel blooms.
This Tufted Titmouse was quite happy watching me wash the dishes through the kitchen window.

MARCH TO APRIL...3

2009-04-09T05:36:00.015-04:00

As the weather warms, my outdoor cats' playful side starts to show. I enjoy watching them race around and chase each other up the trees. They all start to shed their winter coat and lose that extra winter weight that helped keep them warm. Hmmm???....maybe I need to start climbing trees?!

One of my favorite activities is to simply watch my cats...watch the fish. At times, they'll hang off the edge of the dock to get a better view. Here, Patches is keeping an eye on a Large-Mouth Bass.

Can anyone tell me what this magnificent bird is? I've been told a hawk and have also been told it's a buzzard. The wing span is enormous! Probably three feet across...I'm guessing it's a buzzard.

I've had days when I'm seeing red! I can relate!

O.J. relaxing on top of the arbor....bird watching. O.J. is Bandits' son.

The Redbud blooms on a slow soaking rainy day, swollen from the raindrops.

MARCH TO APRIL...2

2009-04-04T08:05:00.013-04:00

On a rainy day...I found color looking out the kitchen window. The intensity of the red coloring of my Eastern Redbuds deepened.

Redbud blooms reaching for the early evening sky as the moon begins to rise.

Three different sunsets shown in this post...

I was photographing this view when Bandit casually took her place on the rock and decided to take in the sight as well! I wondered what she was thinking as she gazed into the water. Was she capable of enjoying beauty through her eyes?

This was the overall view of the above photo with Bandit.

Home, Sweet, Home
I thought it would be nice to show how quickly the setting sun deepened the colors across the sky and pond. There is approximately one and a half minutes between the times taken of each of these photos.

MARCH TO APRIL...1

2009-04-01T14:42:00.013-04:00

Yes??....Can I help you?! Under the shade of my sacred tree, we played a game of peek-a-boo for several minutes as he bobbed in and out from behind safety of the tree trunk.

March 6...the bees overtook our bird feeders in a desperate attempt in search of pollen. They actually tripled their congregation inside the feeder after this photo was taken. After doing some research, it seems that the bees were perhaps feeding on the residual powder in the bird seed mix. It was a delicate procedure to disassemble the bird feeder in late evening when the bees were docile. My husband took the feeder to the woods' edge and carefully emptied the feeder, we then secured the feeder in a trash bag for several days.

A cold gust of wind convinced this guy to swing his tail up and across his body.

Who couldn't love this face?

HINTS OF SPRING...

2009-03-20T06:00:00.004-04:00

St. Patrick's Day was beautiful! Mostly sunny with the high reaching 70 degrees. Big, puffy, white clouds scattered in the sky...the birds were singing their songs and the hawks were gliding in the stronger wind gusts high above.

As I was walking around the pond and my sleeping gardens, I was hoping to see the pair of Mallards return. The only inkling of the Mallards I saw were quite a few feathers left behind. They were floating about on the pond and a few were barely hanging on to the rocks at the end of our waterfalls leading into the pond. Each breeze brought movement and they shimmered in the sunshine and water. I liked the image of the delicate feathers clutching the strong porous rocks... contrasts that compliment each other.

My first Spring bloom! It's a weed!! I'll take it ...it's a bloom and it's color!

I witnessed a bloom spring open! I was photographing the above bloom and maybe I touched this bloom on the brink of opening...perhaps the heat of my hand encouraged it to open. Whatever the case, I got a real thrill as right in front of my eyes the bud just came to life.

So-o-o...do I let nature takes its course? I have the power at this moment! I couldn't resist...two more light taps and it fully bloomed. For a moment I felt like Mother Nature! Maybe a little too much time back in the woods, huh?!...never.

I'm curious of the name of this plant...is it of the dandelion family? Anyone have the answer?
The cattails are spreading their joy. Hundreds of seeds everyday blowing everywhere. We're going to have our work cut out for us! The dragonflies love the cattails, as do the birds, turtles and fish.
At a slightly overcast moment, I photographed this Japanese Willow bud barely opening long the bank of the pond with the sun reflecting just beyond on the waters' surface.

Remember when we were children, and looked up to the clouds...we imagined elephants, birds and who knows what taking shape in the clouds? (o.k....I still do that) Imagination is wonderful...do you see my angel in the middle of the forest?

KEEPSAKES OF THE HEART...AND MALLARDS

2009-03-17T00:01:00.002-04:00

What do keepsakes of the heart and Mallard Ducks have in common?...my father. Not only did Dad have a lot of Irish in his blood, Patrick was his middle name and he was born on St. Paddy's Day. This past week, as every spring, the Mallards have returned. Whenever I see them, I think of him.

When my children were young and Dad was still alive, he had a weekend ritual with his grandchildren. We lived right next to what is referred to the Emerald Necklace, a stretch of the Metroparks that extends for miles. There are several areas to enjoy the wildlife, picnic areas, ball fields, bike/walking trails, playgrounds, nature centers, toboggan chutes and the list goes on.

He would take them there to feed the ducks. After a couple of years a sign was posted asking visitors not to feed the wildlife. That didn't stop Dad and the kids from their visits, though. I truly believe he had even more fun than the children. He came back with just as many stories as them!

My father loved being in nature, we went camping almost every weekend. Many vacations were spent traveling state to state for 2 and 3 weeks at a time. I feel he played a large part in how I appreciate nature now. It's really something how seeing a simple image as the ducks swimming on our pond, or anywhere for that matter, calls on certain fond memories... the keepsakes of my heart.

I chose to share my images of the Mallards on this day, his birthday, as I remember my father...who I miss very much. He's passed on to a better place, but he's still alive where it counts. I have lots of fond memories.

Now on to the Mallards! I took these photographs from inside the cabin, I just opened the window and went for it. Now what I'm going to tell you...you may not believe, but in my fathers' name...I speak the truth. I was going into the kitchen and thought to myself...hmmm?...I should start looking out the window for the ducks, usually they fly in around now. I walked over to the large window facing the pond, and there they were! My radar was in fine tune that day!

The sky ranged from slight sun to overcast. The male got most of my attention due to his brilliant coloring. It's too bad that I couldn't get this shot from a different angle, that's the railing around the top portion of our dock in view. I like their reflection on the water, too.
The couple were quite lovey-dovey the entire time... playing around, searching for food, and they seemed to enjoy each other's company immensely.
Last year, I think I witnessed a turf battle as two pairs of Mallards showed up around the same time. One pair stayed on one side the majority of the time and visa-versa. When the two males both swam towards the center of the pond, there was alot of noise and flapping going on! Eventually, both pairs just flew off.
I often think too bad Dad isn't around, he would've loved it here in our woods! My husband and I didn't know it when we first met, but quickly found out that his father was my fathers' supervisor at their mutual workplace. Both of our fathers were deceased when we met. My husbands' father loved the outdoors, too, and was into fishing. I wonder if they're both up there, looking down and smiling?!

A LITTLE AFTERNOON DRAMA...

2009-03-12T14:31:00.012-04:00

March has finally arrived...and it has begun in a whirlwind...literally! These first two weeks in March the weather has been seasonably variable, but wow, have we ever had the wind gusts going. What has impressed me is the action going on in the upper atmosphere. Clouds changing and reshaping at such rapid pace...at times I felt as if I were watching a documentary on the climate. You've all seen clips where the speed of the film is increased to show the changes of the weather in quick time...well, it has been somewhat similar to that. Personally, I'm not a fan of strong wind here in our lower atmosphere...but up in the clouds, it's just fine. These captures were all taken between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on March 5th and 7th. The skies changed from bright and sunny to a mixture of bright sun and dark clouds...and everything in between. I have upcoming full moon photos were you can actually see the speed of the clouds as I'm photographing (well, trying to photograph!) using the tripod.

AN EXPLANATION TO MY GUESTS..........

Many of you may have noticed that I haven't been visiting your blogs as often...I have...and I haven't! Most of you know of my weak connection as we don't have high-speed. Some of you, I have explained the amount of time it takes for me to blog due to my regular issues with our location and poor internet connection. Well, here's the scoop to anyone who cares!

On any given day while blogging, ONE page may take several minutes to load, I'm lucky for it to load in 40-60 seconds! Even then, the page may load, but not fully. Sometimes in the middle of reading a post, typing a post, leaving a comment or preparing a post, I lose whatever it is completely...and then have to start the whole process over! You should see how much time is involved for me to prepare a post (today was a doozy!). On a regular basis, I have a couple of good days a month with few problems, usually the fore mentioned is the norm 95% of the time. It is extremely frustrating!

These past couple of weeks, my issues have been worse with connection problems to many other sites, usually the blogs. Some blogs I can get to, but can't leave a comment....some blogs I can't get to at all. My dashboard hasn't shown my followers, nor has my blog. I contacted blogger, maybe they took care of this recently, now it's showing.
I'm spending hours on this computer a day, attempting to enjoy as many blogs as I can. I am tired of struggling with this computer and need to spend more time getting things done! I've had a few people try to drive these DEMONS(can't think of a better word!!) away.

So! Now that I've vented, I hope you all understand my dilemma. I will try to visit you all when I can on my better days, it won't be as often as I would like, believe me! I've got to manage my time better here in the real world and not spend hours a day on this computer...and stressing so much over it! I know that I will probably lose followers over this and I understand. Who knows...maybe someday this will all click into place! My fingers are crossed.

WOW!!!....talk about afternoon drama!?!?!

EDIT...After publishing these past few posts, I viewed my blog...my followers are gone again.

I give up!

REMAINDER OF FEBRUARY...3

2009-03-12T14:10:00.002-04:00

Sunset
Brunch!

Twilight on the pond

REMAINDER OF FEBRUARY...2

2009-03-12T13:54:00.004-04:00

Good Morning beckons me for a walk in the woods.
Fall, winter and a touch of spring.
Managing a kernel of food

The prize

REMAINDER OF FEBRUARY...1

2009-03-12T09:16:00.009-04:00

This woodpecker claims this branch as her very own. Several times a day I can look out the window and there she is. Sometimes her eyes are completely closed.
More of the patterns that I enjoy in nature...here the early evening sun casts the long shadows of the tall trees across the pond. Contradicting that effect are the vertical images of the cattails.
Watching me... watching him!

One VERY large cloud!

INTO THE NIGHT...

2009-02-22T19:08:00.006-05:00

One night...without regard to where I wandered... the darkness, the moon glow and the woods as one surrounded me. I felt as if I was being drawn in. To where? I wondered. Such an eerie, yet so comfortable feeling to be engulfed in. The night air was cool, thick with mist and fog... unusual for a winter evening. I felt as if I were being held, comforted. What a wonderous feeling... one with nature.

FEBRUARY MOON RISES...

2009-02-19T11:06:00.003-05:00

As I was gazing upon the sky on this early evening, it reminded of a whimsical painting of a faraway land. Perhaps a sky background of a painting that you may see in a child's room. The textures of the clouds and the dreamy colors of the sky almost lend an unreal feel, yet it was very real, which made this view all the more special to me.

The rising moon glowing in the background, as the setting sun still clings to the treetop branches. Perfect harmony!

LOOKING BACK ON JANUARY...6

2009-02-16T06:01:00.011-05:00

Yet another sunset showcasing the glow of the retiring sun against the ice laden branches...only this evening the sun was a glowing red ball. With only the smallest portion of the sun left, its' burning color turned the iced branches into treetop cinders. The overall sky changed from a sleepy blue to a dreamy periwinkle. These colors alternated quickly with the fast moving clouds. Fascinating that such a tiny existing portion of the sun could have this effect on an otherwise fairly darkened atmosphere. Once again, true justice of appreciating this sunset could happen if only you were standing there with me. The strong evening breezes had these cinders dancing in the treetops! If you would like a closer look, go ahead and click on the photo to enlarge.

Iced treetops basking in the morning sun

LOOKING BACK ON JANUARY...5

2009-02-06T15:49:00.014-05:00

With the trees coated in ice, it created quite a spectacle during this sunset...these photos don't even come close to capturing the shimmery golden lights that danced off the treetops. Click onto the photo to enlarge for better detail. When the breeze moved the branches everything just shimmered!

Just scrub brush here...but the snow created an interesting pattern that I enjoyed.

Call me crazy, but I have a fascination with shadows. The bright sunrise cast long beautiful vertical patterns across the landscape.

Here's part of my "Sacred" tree that had to be chainsawed. There's only a few branches left on my tree outside the kitchen window.

LOOKING BACK ON JANUARY...4

2009-02-04T20:41:00.025-05:00

LOOKING BACK ON JANUARY...3

2009-02-02T05:48:00.029-05:00

All is covered in snow and ice...

Do you barely see the waterfall, my daughters' little cabin roof, and the Cardinal here?

LOOKING BACK ON JANUARY...2

2009-02-02T05:40:00.019-05:00

Can you see the male and female Woodpeckers?

LOOKING BACK ON JANUARY...1

2009-02-02T05:27:00.024-05:00

All by its' lonesome in the cold

Weeping Cherry Tree at the ponds' edge covered in ice

Pine tree encased in snow and ice

View out my kitchen window

Reflection of trees lit up by the sunrise
His face says it all!

THE BURNING QUESTION...

2009-01-30T04:14:00.008-05:00

Why don't Woodpeckers get headaches?

The Pileated, Red-Bellied, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers claim my woods as their home. We have hundreds of oval and round holes chiseled in towering trees, some are decaying and some are live. Usually these hard workers prefer decaying wood, but have been known to chose healthy trees to call home. I've seen both sexes in each species, subtle differences in coloring distinguish the exact sex. For instance, with the Pileated Woodpeckers, both have red crests on their heads, but the male(Top two photos), has a thin red moustache, whereas the female does not. In Ohio, it's considered an uncommon permanent resident in the area it calls home. I was very excited to see the female first, and a couple of weeks later the male showed up close to the cabin, too. I've seen them from a distance down our driveway in the past couple of years, but never this close...maybe 25 feet from the cabin. Interesting fact, the American Indians used the red crests of these gorgeous birds to decorate their pipes.

One day as I was watching the male Pileated Woodpecker, the largest of the woodpeckers, I thought to myself how that must hurt them hammering away and wondered if they end up with a major headache? After some research, I actually found an explanation. It seems that thick, dense muscles in the neck contract right before a strike to the tree. They have sponge-like bones that act as a cushion and a third eyelid. This third eyelid closes as it's hammering away, which protects the eye from wood chips and literally holds the eyeball in place.

It's a great design when you think that they hammer away and strike about 15 times per second! So, this is the answer to the burning question...but...all this really explains is why their eyeballs don't pop out. We all know woodpeckers can't talk...but if they could, I'd bet they would ask for a Tylenol!

Now, there's something else I'm wondering about...just a third eyelid? Is only one eye protected? Does this third eyelid somehow cover both eyes? If anyone knows the answer, please...drop me a comment!

WARMING THE WINTER SKY...

2009-01-26T13:51:00.006-05:00

Keeping true to my original idea of this blog, what brings me calm here in Wishnik Woods...I present yet another vivid sunrise painting the twilight sky. This was this past Sunday mornings' greeting to the world, every color of the rainbow except green. The last sunrise that I shared, I claimed it was the most colorful sunrise yet. I stand corrected! The sky was bursting in color here on the horizon, yet the rest of the skies were very deep muted blues. Darkness lingered for the most part outside as I made my journey to the back of our property which overlooks fields and yet more woods. In the still of the early morning, with a minimum of light to guide me through the woods, I set out with my camera and tripod. Not far behind, my husband hurried to catch up with me. Initially he thought that I was going to capture this sunrise from the pond up by our cabin. I was, until I got outside and the colors quickly deepened and spread further along the horizon. That's when I decided to take a walk through the woods. These images were zoomed in, that...along with the overall dark atmosphere explains the dark silhouettes of the trees. Believe it or not, I could see where I was going. I followed deer tracks along the path. If you click to enlarge this first photo, you can see the snow along the bottom, it was dark out!

My Nikon captures the rise and sets with absolute true color and clarity. I'm extremely happy with the results.
A couple of photos here I cropped for a slightly closer view.

This last one of the series, is the final shot I took as the sun began to show itself. I couldn't last any longer, as I was standing there in amazement, the pain in my toes reminded me that I was quickly freezing over! If I remember correctly, the air was 9 degrees. As I glanced back towards this sight on our way back to the cabin, the colors were quickly fading just as fast as they appeared. I had made it just in time...and I think even my husband was glad he was being the ever protective husband, he hadn't even finished his first cup of coffee!

I'd like to send out one big thank you to all who stopped by and sent birthday wishes to my mother in the last post. All the kind words made her day all the more special. She asked that I let you all know that she says...Hello! ...and a big thank you to all! She was surprised and told me she's not sure she deserved all the praise. Note to Mom...Yes, you do!

ONE VERY SPECIAL WOMAN...

2009-01-23T05:59:00.010-05:00

This is her day...

a day we celebrate all that she is. She is my mother...and today is her Birthday! Mom always liked Cardinals, so I chose a few of my favorite captures to accompany her here.

Mom is the most caring, thoughtful and loving woman that I know. She is the very definition of mother. She has given so much to each of us in my family, on so many levels. Inner strength, compassion, and a sense of humor define her. Her entire life she dedicated herself, unselfishly, to our family.
Mom has been a big part of Wishnik Woods...she has supported this dream of ours and had helped out in the building process. I don't know where she gets it, but she has an amazing amount of energy! Just last summer, Mom was out in the woods swinging on vines with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! She's a real fire cracker!
I decided to post her photo ( it's a current one, she ages gracefully!)today on her birthday because she faithfully reads my blog...AND all of yours!! I call her "Shadow Dragon" for that reason! We live three counties apart, and mom will e-mail me with comments about all of your posts. So, if you've left a comment here...you can be sure she has checked out your blog!

So...Mom...SURPRISE!?!...I hope you're not mad at me!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday today!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I LOVE YOU!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO

NATURALLY!!!

2009-01-21T14:03:00.002-05:00

I just did my last post this morning, and look what I see....SIX Mourning Doves high in the tree top! I couldn't resist sneaking it in!

IN THE MORNING...

2009-01-20T21:51:00.012-05:00

The past few mornings offered a couple of pleasant surprises. A pair of Mourning Doves and a large squirrel have found there way to the feeder. The doves and the squirrel were photographed from inside the cabin. Now, I know that I have my work cut out for me as far as the squirrel visiting the feeder, but I was thrilled to be able to capture a few good shots. This big guy(girl?...despite the pose, I'm not sure!) was positively frightened when he saw me. I admit, I do look pretty scary in the morning! He must've scurried on every branch of this tree twice over. Up, down and all around...until I opened the side door and he took a flying leap from about 15 feet high and landed on the ground about 12 feet from the tree! I expected to find an empty feeder this morning. So far, it's still intact and my fingers are crossed.

Saturday morning as I looked out one of my back windows up the hill to see how the day was about to greet me...I was greeted with this view. This was the most colorful, spectacular sunrise I've seen yet here in the woods!

Of course, I had to venture out in the frigid cold twilight to capture this vivid sunrise, keep in mind, the coloring in these has not been enhanced, these are true colors.

Same view, I cropped the previous photo.
Here's the same view once again, only about eight minutes later, as more of the sun peeks up over the horizon.

The early bird gets the seed in this case, the first one I saw at the feeder before heading back in the cabin was a Dark-eyed Junco. My granddaughter, Celine, built that feeder out of scrap wood when she was bored one day...she did a fine job!

SURVIVING THE ARCTIC BLAST...BLUE JAYS

2009-01-16T03:57:00.008-05:00

BRRRRRR!!!!....Here is where I often wonder if we are truly the fittest of all life on this earth. Survival of the fittest...while I am warm and cozy nesting in this cabin, I think of how all the creatures outdoors flex their will to survive with all their strength. Through the series of storms and bitter cold this past week, I have seen the most activity yet this season around my feeder. As I prepare this post, the actual temperature outdoors is -10 degrees. The wind chill factor brings the temperature to -30 degrees!

I have this fascination with viewing a subject up close and personal. I'm not sure why, maybe to be a little closer to the heart and soul. As I was admiring the woods covered in snow on a dreary day, I stood at my back window gazing up the hill behind our cabin. There in front of me, icicles regularly take their form until my husband knocks them down. While I know they can cause damage to the roof, that doesn't stop my love of icicles. They constantly change, and if the sun or moon is in position over the back hill, they glisten all the more. Drip, drip, drip...tempting me, teasing me...hmmm?? Can I catch a drop falling from the icy fingers? After thirty four shots, I finally captured a water drop. My challenge to myself was to NOT use my feature on the camera that will automatically take a succession of shots. I stood there counting seconds between drops in an attempt to meet that challenge. VICTORY!!...now I just let you into the quirky side of me..I know, too much time on my hands!
On the 11th of this month, the night skies over Wishnik Woods were too cloudy to photograph the moon. The night after was another story. This first capture was taken out the same window were I shot the icicles. I had a rough nights' sleep and awoke at 2:20 a.m., there was my old friend waiting for me in the sky.
These next two captures were taken a few hours later at 5:oo a.m. in the same morning....except this time I braved the cold. I took my tripod outdoors and sturdied it in the snow. The atmosphere was very hazy with a good dose of cloud cover. Perhaps that explains the overall softness to these photographs.
Just a sliver shy!

JUST ACT NONCHALANT...

2009-01-09T17:04:00.006-05:00

Having my kitchen window facing this tree is a real treat for me. It gives me so many photographic opportunities, especially in this cold weather. As I watch the various birds going about their business, sometimes I'll find that one or two are watching me. This Tufted Titmouse was quite amused with what I was doing as it peered into my window. The tree is very close to the cabin, there's no need to use my zoom. I often wonder what thoughts are going through their little heads as they take in my activities. Here the Titmouse is acting nonchalant as it glances over its' shoulder. After a short time it mosies on over to the feeder...

Then it turns to look at me as if to say.....yes, can I help you? Then just a few feet back over to the tree branch...

I've got my seed , do you mind?...
The heck with her! I'm eating.
Here the Cardinal is surely thinking....is she looking at me?

Yes, she is...doesn't she have anything better to do?

Half of this tree had it's first date with the chainsaw, we're hoping that will do the trick for awhile to maybe buy it a little more time. The tree is in such sad shape, I'm sure it will eventually need to come down. But for now, it hosts some of my favorite entertainment during the winter. The best part is, I don't have to leave the cabin for a front row seat, even these photos were taken from inside. As I'm typing this post our winter storms are beginning to roll in, that's O.K., I've got my kitchen window!

AN AWARD... FOR ME?!

2009-01-09T04:42:00.007-05:00

What a nice surprise! I received this award from Anne over at Peek-A-Boo Street! I'm taking the lazy way out and giving you the shortened version of this award. It is a friendship award meant to be given to deserving fellow bloggers that reach out and touch other bloggers. Even though we have never personally met, each and every one of you I consider a friend here in Blogdom. Your visits and comments can make an otherwise so-so day a very happy one! With that being said, Let me take this opportunity to once again thank all of my regular guests and even the new ones, for stopping by my simple blog. I've learned so much from all of you. If you would like the proper intent of this award in text...please pop over to Annes' blog at Peek-A-Boo Street. She's a warm, friendly and upbeat woman who has alot to share in her corner of the world. You'll enjoy your visit!

The recipient of this award is to pass it along to eight other deserving bloggers. In my opinion, all of my guests deserve this award. There are a few guests that I would like to pass this on to, yet I don't think they are really into the awards( you know who you are!). Here is where I am bending the rules somewhat, I've chosen my eight....but...if you know anyone deserving of this award, feel free to copy it and pass it along. Drum roll, please.......

Lona....Hocking Hill's Garden

Patsi....Garden Endeavors

Vicki....Havenwood

Sunita....The Urban Gardener

Katarina....Roses and Stuff

Kat....Wolfdancer Creek

Jan....Thanksfor2Day

Shellmo....Northern Michigan Experience

Thank you, Anne, so very much for thinking of me!! Congratulations to you as well!!

MISSING THE SUMER SEASON...

2009-01-04T08:26:00.006-05:00

Here it is, January 4th, and I don't want to talk about winter. Usually, at this time of the year I'm O.K. with the cold still. We haven't been that far into winter. Maybe it's the extreme ups and downs of the temperatures lately. We have had a few unseasonal warm days here and there which casts a bittersweet feeling. Although I sure appreciate the milder temps., part of me then longs for the warmer weather all that much more. The cattails swaying in the breeze, my dragons playing around the pond and the butterflies skipping gingerly bloom to bloom. I miss the colors of summer, the sounds and scents of summer.

I'm not the only one dealing with this whole idea of winter. All of those tiny birds coats fluff up, they scurry to get as much seed as they can and disappear as fast as they came. I wonder if they are ever anywhere close to warm during the cold months? All of my outdoor cats' coats of fur have filled in twice as thick to help protect them. Look at Bandit here, she looks like a little black snowman posing in front of the pure white snow covered pond.

Now here's a seldom seen happening here in the woods. Only once before have I witnessed deer laying down in the woods. Usually they're nervous and on the move from the hunters. The slightest sound may send them off in a hurry. This deer was all alone, she didn't run the closer I moved towards her. I stayed at a distance of about 150 feet away. I wanted to get a better shot, but more importantly I didn't want to scare her off. She was calm and resting, more than likely she witnessed the rest of her family taken down. She needed her calm more than I needed a better photograph. Naturally, I'm out there quietly talking to her. Each time I spoke her ears perked. I was driving into town the other day and the tiniest fawn crossed the road in front of me. No other family of hers was in sight, she ran off all alone. I wish I could've scooped her up in my arms and took her home. That's another "thing" about winter that brings unpleasant thoughts...hunting.

All of these photos were taken from a distance, I was practicing with the zoom of my new camera. I love the silhouettes against a darkened sky...so simple and so eye-catching. This branch looks as if it were wearing a glove as it pointed north.
More pond views...I'm struggling to find color in this predominately monotone season. When the skies are sprinkled with peaches and pinks as the sunset nears...
the results are soothing pastels painting the pond.

Here the ponds' ice is melting and in certain areas has a crackled effect to add texture for interest. Just look at those pastels...almost reminds you of summer blooms!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!...

2009-01-01T21:03:00.004-05:00

Here's to new beginnings...and a new camera! Nikon Coolpix p80

I sure hope it's a great new year for all of us!

SHADES OF TWILIGHT...

2008-12-28T14:10:00.009-05:00

As an early riser, I treasure my twilight walks. I awake habitually around the same hour shortly before 4:00 a.m. I practically inhale my first mug of coffee and leisurely sip my second mug. In the sweet morning light as the moon sets and the sun has just barely begun to peek over the horizon, I breathe in deep the freshness of the air. I let my senses absorb all the sights and sounds of nature bathed in various shades of twilight blues.

All of these photos were from the past few days, and on each of these days I spent about a half hour to an hour outside enjoying the darkened surroundings.

Each twilight hour brought forth its' own shade of blue, as well as varying intensities of color. Of course, the longer that I linger, the twilight glow brightens. This garden statue was a gift to me. I call her my Celine statue, named so, after my granddaughter. The light reflecting across the pond towards my "Celine" is that of an automatic photo-sensor light that turns itself off in daylight.

In this wee hour of morning... each tree, plant and rock along with the water and sky almost lose some of their identity but are connected as one in the shades of twilight. Just briefly, they all share the colors for a harmonious sight.

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...

2008-12-22T14:58:00.009-05:00

SPELLBOUND...

2008-12-14T10:08:00.002-05:00

Need I say more?...Standing on my porch was this view, it was as if the trees themselves were holding the full moon captive. This was taken very early this morning as the sun was just beginning to rise on the opposite side of the woods.

The clouds gracefully moved across the sky in their finest shades of peaches, pinks and grays. This point here was between the full moon resisting is setting, and the sunrise barely rising over the back hill...

and the new dawn begins...

I couldn't decide which to post, so both are shown, this was the capture prior to cropping. The glow on the underside of the clouds was just heavenly.

These next three photos were from this weekend, as I gaze at the moon in awe, it's hard not to feel as if I'm under it's spell. My mind clears of all else...I'm totally drawn into it's mystery. I'm in solitary confinement with nature...totally surrounded by the crisp, dark night. Comforted by the towering, silhouetted trees of the woods, as the moon casts her spell on me.

One more sunset coloring the sky.

INTO THE BITTER COLD...

2008-12-07T16:25:00.008-05:00

This past weekend our temperatures dropped to the lowest so far in this early winter season. It was bitter cold, and old man winter threw in a good dose of wind chill effects just to make sure he got his point across! This first image shows the coneflower seedheads(left for the birds), with the sun low in the sky, casting it's beam across the frozen pond. I'm seeing some interesting shadows created across the pond...and as I've mentioned in many posts, the pond "scape" changes all day. I never would've thought that our pond would bring me the amount enjoyment, on a variety of levels, as it does.

I discovered this small nest on one of my walks this weekend, it's nestled among an overgrown wild rose bush. The bush is probably 12-13 feet high, yet this cozy home was about 6-7 feet above ground. Whatever feathered friend calls this home, sure has protection from predators with all the thorns from along the canes of the bush. It appears to be occupied, I think I'm seeing an eye peeking out there. Recently, I've spotted Cardinals and Finches on the bush, more than likely for the rose hip berries. If anyone has an idea who may be in that nest, please give your guess. The entrance is on the side.
Looking out my kitchen window, there's a tree fairly close to the cabin. It is dying and has an inevitable date with a chainsaw. I am holding off taking it down because I enjoy seeing the birds, squirrels, owls and raccoons that frequent the tree. Here's a couple of titmouse, this photo came out pretty good considering I took it from in the cabin.
This photo didn't turn out quite so good, again, taken from indoors. Perhaps because it was snowing, I'm not sure. I was watching these little ones pick up the cat food and bring it to the branch and break the food down with their beaks to eat it. Here the titmouse was eating snow, ahhh...nothing like a little ice cold snow to wash down cat food!

Here's a taste of my photography skills!! This is a capture of two deer on the damn, just before dark....O.K!...so you can't see the deer, but you CAN see their eyes! I really need to find my manual for my camera!! I debated on showing this blooper, but hey...what the heck!

SUNRISE, SUNSET...

2008-11-30T05:39:00.008-05:00

This first photo is the sunrise in the wee hours of Thanksgiving morning, which the rest of the day turned out equally beautiful as well. I'm not sure if you can see the white plastic bottle in the pond at the farthest end, but if you do, that is where we moved the waterlillies to overwinter. Hopefully that decision comes through for us next spring, it was either place them deeper or take the plant out and store elsewhere in cool storage.

I am mesmerized by moonlit nights, a starry sky, thunderstorms, the sunrise and a sunset. These captures were just too beautiful not to share! This first sunset photo was taken after I walked halfway up our pinehill. It was taken on a different night as the other sunsets shown here. It really irks me that I am hesitant to walk my own woods due to wandering hunters. On Thanksgiving day we drove up north, three counties away to be with family. Upon our return the next day, I hadn't even got out of my truck when I saw a hunter close to the pond. Which means he was fairly close to the cabin. He was hiding behind a tree, but I happened to see him quickly take off his bright red-orange cap. My husband walked over to him, with our two large dogs. The hunter ended up being a neighbors' nephew, at least not a total stranger. My neighbors are aware of how I feel about hunting, and my neighbors all hunt. It would truly upset me to see an animals' life taken in my woods.

These last three photos are of the same sunset, just look at the changing blues, oranges and reds all within about a 15 minute time frame. The vivid colors that are produced in nature never cease to amaze me. The reds and oranges this evening were on fire! Almost unreal looking...too bad the sunsets don't last longer, but that just makes me appreciate them even more.

In this capture, at the lower right hand corner, you'll see the snow on top of the very first structure we built here in the woods. This is a simple wood storage barn, if my memory is correct, it's about 10 x 16. This is where we stayed and camped when we'd come out and build the cabin every weekend. That little building had it all! Cooking utensils for over the firepit, sleeping bags up in the loft, even a makeshift bathroom. On the back of our barn, we built an outdoor shower. After heating water over a fire, we'd pour it into a camping shower bag and hang it on the hook. I actually loved taking a shower and looking up at the treetops. My granddaughter was quite young then, she loved camping there and called it the E-I-E-I-O barn.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...

2008-11-25T05:40:00.004-05:00

I know that I've already posted this wild turkey photo, but I felt it deserving of another shot of the spotlight...especially since many of us will be enjoying the turkey on Thanksgiving. Interesting note on this creature...last year, there were probably thirty turkeys up in the trees one day. Something spooked them, and they all took off in flight at once. For some reason, one became disoriented and landed in the pond. Of course, I panicked thinking it may drown, as it was struggling. I yelled for my husband and he came over with heavy duty work gloves in an attempt to save the poor thing. Surprisingly, it managed to "swim" to the edge of the pond within a few feet of me, and fly away. I didn't know turkeys knew how to swim, if that's what you call what it did!
Here's a decent size doe wandering just behind the cabin, the rest of her family took off when they spotted my husband at the window, she was a little curious...
and so was this squirrel.

Even though my woods bring me my calm, hey...I have my moments of stress! Every time I see one of my cats crossing the pond! I just lose it with worry that they will find a weak spot...so far they've been lucky! Look at Patches...just strolling the pond...no worries!

WINTERS' ICY GRIP...

2008-11-19T11:44:00.008-05:00

We have felt the cold air and the snow flurries on sparse days of November...

that was until yesterday when winter came barrelling through the woods, his frigid breath pounding on the cabin...then proceeded to properly introduce himself! Howling winds raged through the trees, temperatures dipped in the teens during the night, and big, fluffy snowflakes raced in circles every which way!
He is here, in all his glory...

and from the looks of it, plans to make himself at home!

MAGIC TO ?????...

2008-11-16T21:33:00.003-05:00

These are NOT created photos...they were taken Friday evening, November 14th., as the moon was rising over the woods. If you haven't already seen my last post, you may want to check it out. I have photos of the moonscape from Thursday, November 13th that I posted.
These photos on this Friday evening were taken at approximately the same time. I was waiting for my daughter and her friend to arrive for the weekend when I decided to go out and view the moon.
All of the captures were taken within a 10-15 minute time frame.

As I was snapping this one, I didn't see the white orb(or whatever it may be)in the upper center of the photo. When I viewed it in the computer is when I noticed that. The clouds formed a pathway to the heavens...it was stunning. I wish all of you could have been there because, once again, my photographs just don't do justice to what the views were in person.

MAGIC AND MAJESTY...

2008-11-14T14:41:00.001-05:00

Out of all natures' wonders, the awe-inspiring moon probably captures my attention the most. There is something magical about the moon, especially in all its' glory when full. Last night the moonscape was awesome. My captures are NOWHERE near the power and beauty that actually painted the sky last night! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to accurately capture a perfect photo...the aura around the moon does not show here as it did as I was standing there. The subtle nuances in the clouds and tree silhouettes are lost in my photos. I was so mesmerized by this event that only lasted about five minutes, I took 66 photos, only a couple came somewhere near the real beauty of last night. One of the photos showed a formation of a cross from the tree branches, but the rest of the scenery wasn't good. This aura that formed and lasted just a few minutes was the largest I have ever seen around the moon.

After that, the sky was still breathtaking...

and worth staying out a little longer, just soaking up the moonbeams.

Now for the majesty... this buck was just outside the back of our cabin a couple of days ago, a few other deer were searching for food as well, a little further back in the woods.

Yesterday, I had such a treat. I was watching four deer up close to the cabin. They were munching here and there, then wandered across the front yard. My five outdoor cats were watching and one of them ran out to the deer. I witnessed a little leaping and playing between O.J. and one of the deer. The deer all gracefully walked to the damn of the pond...one walked down to the water and began to drink. Two of my cats went and laid down right next to the other three deer. I was admiring how these two very different creatures were peacefully accepting each other, when I noticed out of the corner of my eye a deer in the distant woods running. All of a sudden, a very large buck ran towards the group, as did the first deer I saw in the distance. One chased three deer away and the large buck very forcefully went after the smallest deer and also chased it into the woods. The two aggressors came back to the pond and the larger buck made sounds that I've never heard before. It was an extremely loud, sick, belching sound. I've heard the snorts before, but not this. My husband said that there were territorial issues going on here.

It's hunting season here, something I dread. It bothers me to hear all the guns going off. There is no hunting allowed in my woods.
One day I witnessed Patches our cat, nose to nose with a small doe. Patches was laying down relaxing and the doe just came up to her. Patches got up slowly and started walking and the doe followed her. The unspoken trust of two different species intrigues me.

REMAINDERS OF FALL...

2008-11-09T07:27:00.008-05:00

Walking through the woods at this time of the season, I've noticed some standout reds among the nearly bare woods. Gone are the various green hues of the summer. There is still a dash of green here and there, some of the orange and peaches, but the last of natures' reds are what catch my attention on my walks lately.

I don't recall the name of the two bushes we placed on each end of the porch, but their fallen leaves and red berries offer a potpourri of reds, pinks and creams. This color palette covers quite an area in front of the cabin.

Just a few more textures and shades of the reds right now. The rose hips shown are from wild roses that grow in mass in various spots along the woods' edge. Curious as to if all rose hips are edible...can anyone answer that?

This photo is of fruit(?) from a pear tree someone gave to me. Supposedly, it's a Cleveland Bradford Pear Tree and I was told it does not produce fruit. This was the first year this fruit showed up. Again, if anyone could tell me, is this a fruit? Maybe the tree is not what I was told?!

This quaint frog statue is relaxing on a rock situated just above one of our many small falls leading down to the pond. The main waterfall sits back in the woods' edge and there are 13 or 14 small falls along down to the pond.

Take a look under the rock on the right...
This sweet little frog would always sit next to the frog statue on top of the rock, along with another buddy of his. I would start meandering up to them and they'd hop in the water and hide. This went on for a few weeks, when I noticed that suddenly they were no longer there.
I am fairly certain this is the reason why...

See the bulge in this snake? I know he has to eat, and it's natures' course...but, I missed those two little guys on my walk up the falls. I'll just focus on those reds!!

SUNSETS AND FEATHERED FRIENDS...

2008-11-07T18:45:00.009-05:00

Out of each season, there are unique reasons to enjoy each in its' own. Back in the woods here, summertime only allows me limited views of the sun rise and sets. It's fall, winter and spring that I am truly able to enjoy all the colors of the sky against the silhouette of the towering trees. Once winter is here, I have an amazing view of the sky, the bare trees , along with the large rolling hills and horizon beyond. At times, I'll bundle up in the cold weather and go into the woods, sit on a bench(that my hubby created out of downed trees), and just sit in the quiet solitude to admire the awesome majesty of it all.

This side of the woods still has plenty of the bronze, orange and peach foliage left. The majority of the woods are quickly becoming bare.

At least now I am able to see the nests in the trees much easier. When you think about wildlife and how they manage to survive all the elements of nature, it justifies how much respect I have for all the critters.
As I was out and about this past week, on one very windy day, the birds were quite active in the tree tops. I was happy to see the wind blown Gold Finch's . Before we started providing food and a large heated cat home for the five stray outdoor cats, we had all kinds of feathered friends at our feeders along the porch. That was the big downside to bleeding heart! Many times I've chased the cats, yelling at them for having a bird in their mouth. It just rips my heart out to see that. I know it's the law of nature, I just can't stand to imagine what pain the prey is feeling. They don't do it in front of me anymore!
I enjoy the Woodpeckers, as long as they're not pecking on the cabin! At one point, we did have that problem. For some reason, it was only the first two years that we lived here.

Now, I'm not sure what type of bird this brave little fellow is...but as small as these birds are, they constantly help themselves to the cats' food...as you can see in its' beak! Surprisingly, there's times when they are within a few feet of the cats....brave, but not so intelligent.

NOVEMBER BEGINS IN THE WOODS...

2008-11-03T19:50:00.001-05:00

November started out with unseasonably warm weather, reaching the 60's. The birds were chirping and I still was able to watch my dragonflies...you might have thought it was early spring, if not for the sparse autumn colors that are scattered here and there. A few days last week I witnessed snow flurries and plummeting temperatures. Saturday was the first, the skies couldn't decide on bright and sunny or just plain cloudy. The result made for some interesting reflections on the pond. Not much color in the first photo, but the stark contrasts kept me planted on the wooden bench just admiring the view for quite awhile. If I hadn't mentioned the skies mood, wouldn't you have assumed this was the moon reflecting?

This is my Hydrangea tree showing off her late fall colors...for the most part, the sage greens are gone and now they're a beautiful blending of gold and just a hint of pink.

The Meadowhawk dragonflies seemed happy to be out and about after the cold spell. The fallen autumn leaves really compliment the red dragon. The backdrop of the pond and the silhouette of the bare branched trees just makes this image perfect!

Even a few butterflies were enjoying the warm weather...now I 'm really not sure what the norm is for these beauties...but I was somewhat surprised to see them after the few days of snow flurries. The underside of this butterfly's wings were a pale yellow.
Just another reflection photo, the combination of the blues, the blacks and maroon offer a dramatic effect. I am always looking forward on my walks to see what the pond surface colors are...as they change throughout the day with the changing sky.
Oops!!... Is that another dragonfly?! Sorry, I just love them...can't possibly have enough!

Very early in the morning...There's the blue and black with red this time. I love being outside so early in the morning...it makes me feel like I am truly one with nature. It's a good time to just soak up the calm and get ready to start a new day.

FRIENDSHIP AWARD...

2008-11-03T16:40:00.006-05:00

I would like to thank Vicki at Havenwood for this Friendship Award!!! It means alot to me.

Now, I guess I am to answer four questions upon accepting this....here I go...

1) Do you have the same friends since childhood? No, we have lost touch through the years.

2) What do you value most about your friends? Seeing me for all that I am and what I am not.

3) Are your friends sounding boards? Somewhat...the older I get, the more private I've become.

4)What is your favorite activity to share with your friends? Sitting around the campfire all night long!

And now, I'd like to pass this on to... Baker at Fish and Frog-Turtle and Blog...and

Lona at A Hocking Hills Garden

Please drop by all three of my friends' blogs, I'm sure you will enjoy your stay!

Once again...Thanks, Vicki!!

TIME TO REFLECT...

2008-11-01T06:45:00.004-04:00

It was 11 years ago this weekend when I met my husband. He was and is a Godsend. Saving you the details of my life...let's just say after many intense nights of praying to God and to my dad who had passed on...my prayers were answered when I needed divine intervention most. I pleaded with my dad that if ever I needed his help, it was now. I had a great job, a loving family...yet I was "lost" and needed someone who would really understand me. I dated, but I needed a soul mate. On the first night we met, and talked for hours...I found out that my hubbys' deceased father and my father worked together. His dad was my dads' supervisor. The rest of the story leads me to this point. After alot of hard work, our dreams came true. The rockers on the porch were my grandma and grandpa's. I'm sure grandma looks down from heaven and smiles each time she sees me rocking away. I remember her singing lullaby's to my firstborn in that very rocker on the right, the same one that I will be using to sing to my newly born (Oct. 1st) grandchild.
Why did I post a photo of a stone path? I wanted to move here to the woods so much, that I convinced my husband that we could survive without running water for about a year as we continued to build.

Every few days he would bring MANY jugs of water from our home up north, which my adult daughter lived in, or from my mothers' home. He drove up there everyday for work and back home ....a 1-1/2 hour trip each way! The summer we moved in there was hardly no rain, and our soil is hard clay. I wanted a natural rock path, so the few days it rained, I was out there frantically placing as many rocks as I could before the clay dried and hardened. This path is about is about 80 feet long...it took all spring, summer and fall(and help from mom) to finish. The rocks now are somewhat out of place, to due to very nature of the clay when it's wet...my hubby wants to replace it, he won't because he knows that I love it, as is, with all its' imperfections. I really put my heart into that simple path, and so did my mom. She has done alot of work out of love helping us! Our dream has been a family affair...even though now they don't come out as often because of other obligations.

The tire swing was one of the first things that we put up, and that was for the enjoyment of our grandchildren as us adults labored away. Of course, even the adults had a few wild rides on that swing!

Our porch is 12 feet by 36 feet long, funds were being stretched daily as we built our cabin. We tossed around in our heads, the size of perhaps a smaller porch to save money, but we figured that a covered porch this size where all the family could gather even if it rained would be well worth the expense. And it was, besides it being able to accomodate quite a few people, this is where we did alot of the sawing, sanding and varnishing when the weather didn't cooperate! Yes, I am the sanding and varnishing queen in these parts...hundreds of different woods of varying lengths and widths passed under my hands. Not to mention carrying 8, 10,12 and 16 foot long pieces overhead, one after another for days (actually a few years). It was worth the all the hard work... all the blood, sweat and tears. When I reflect back on it all, I just have to smile. All because two people met and fell in love...with a little help from above.

HAVE A HAUNTED HALLOWEEN!!!...

2008-10-28T05:39:00.006-04:00

AND AN ENCHANTED EVENING!!!

EDIT....The top photo was added after the initial post...I did not create that photo...see comments for a little info on that shot!

AS THE SEASON AGES...

2008-10-25T19:30:00.004-04:00

The skylines' are changing with more views of the sky beyond the dark silhouettes of the trees. Just three weeks ago, I would see very little of the mauve, pink, orange and red hues surrounding a sunset. Not that a sunset in summer wasn't perfect in its' own right...it was perfect how it spread itself throughout all the leaves and vegetation in the woods. Casting shadows among the sun-kissed leaves, branches and trunks of the trees. The summer setting of the sun created beautiful contrasts in the woods. Now, I enjoy the contrasts of the trees against the clouds and the colors of the sky. When I want to see a more dramatic effect, all I have to do is gaze in the pond. It's very easy to get lost in a moment like this!
Temperatures have dipped as low as 29 degrees at night. We've had a good bit of sunshine lately during the past couple of weeks, but I think this will be the last of my waterlily blooms. My last two blooms opened slightly more than this one. More than likely, I'll have to appreciate this beauty as no more than the bloom it is now.
This was taken within the last couple of weeks...now, I know that a photographer would look at this photo and tell me all that I did wrong in trying to capture this falling leaf! Truth be told, I was actually trying to photograph a Mosaic Darner Dragonfly and the camera setting was on automatic. As I was viewing my photos after I loaded them, there was this perfect falling leaf, just floating in a sunbeam...it appears almost golden, doesn't it?
Faster than a speeding bullet! This large dragonfly is who I was trying to capture zooming in and out of the tree tops! It's too bad that you cannot see the greens and blues, contrasting with the black in this dragon...the lighting was too bright and washed out the color. I am going to miss my dragons so much...I can't wait until next spring!

Fabulous Fall Decor Award!!...

2008-10-22T15:11:00.009-04:00

This award was given to me by Lona, over at... A Hocking Hill's Garden. Lona, thank you so much , nothing like a little award to brighten up your day!...I appreciate it!! This is new to me, so here goes... I'm supposed to pass it along to six people that I think deserve this award, and borrowing Lonas' phrase...

Drum roll please!...

Joey at The Village Voice

Donna at Mother Nature's Garden

Vickie at Havenwood

Linda at Garden Girl

Naturegirl at Nature Trail

Patsi at Garden Endeavors

The rules are simple...you pick up this award photo and post it on your blog. Nominate six people/blogs of your choice for this same award. Then finally, you need to let the winners know that they have been chosen!

Again...Thank you Lona!

HERE AND THERE...

2008-10-14T14:26:00.006-04:00

As much as I love my perennials, I have to give credit where credit is due...and that would be to the common colorful annuals. When all the other plants are winding down for their long winters' slumber, here is the annuals time to finally shine . I have plenty of moisture along the front porch, so after a few years of experimenting with different varieties, I've settled on what works, the impatiens. Among the variegated creepers, I've scattered some daylillies, wild geraniums, bleeding heart and large rocks. The impatiens along the outside edge, with rocks all running the length of the beds.

This little guy on the swing was a gift from my mom. I couldn't decide where I wanted him...finally one day my granddaughter, Celine, picked him up and placed him on this swing. It was the perfect spot, and he's been there ever since...about four years now! My husband made this swing hanging on a tree branch for Celine to swing her dolls.

Everyone in my family has a trail that is named after them, a few of us hand chiseled trail signs. Mine is Spooky's Stroll, shown here with the peach and green autumn leaves of the small dogwood tree. Before we had the pond, I had many, many long walks in the woods. I enjoy the solitude of just myself and being surrounded by the towering trees. Somehow it's comforting to me.
The Meadowhawk dragonflies were sure busy this past weekend. Here's four couples in tandem enjoying the sunny day.
They were not only friendly with each other, but with me. As soon as I put out my arm they would land on me. They landed on my shoulders, on my shirt, but the best shot for a photo was impossible to get! One landed on my finger that was positioned...on my camera...to shoot a photo! Teasing me! In this photo, there's one on my hand and one on my forearm.

Across the waterfall, off to the side and in the woods...I nestled a couple of old benches and a table. Just a cozy little nook to relax and let time slip by. Here you can see who has the most time to let slip by! It' s Bandit and her son O.J. Well, of course after following me around on "our" walks, they had to take a rest!

TRUE COLORS...

2008-10-09T05:43:00.008-04:00

There is a song that I have always thought was beautiful, both the music and the lyrics...True colors. Last night as my son and I had a conversation...he offered me encouragement, as he always does when it comes to his mom. This led me to think of the title for this post. The colors of the trees (and other plants in nature) in fall show their true colors. Many of you may know this, but for those who don't, this is how mother nature works her magic.

Basically, there are three pigments that are present in your leaves, berries, and plants. Chlorophyll produces the green color... as exposure to the sun decreases this allows the other two pigments, carotenoid and anthocynanins to "take over" and bring out the actual color of the leaves. Anthocynanins are responsible for the red color under certain conditions and not all trees can make this...plants with excess plant sugars in their leaf cells will result in the reds. Whatever the mix, fall foliage always seems to be just perfect.
Back to the song...song writer Billy Steinberg wrote the original version for his mother. This post is for my son, Brad, who always sees my true colors.

ON THIS LAST DAY OF SEPTEMBER...

2008-09-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

Life is seen all around in different forms, colors and textures on this somewhat cool day. Where did the month go?

LATELY IN THE WOODS...

2008-09-28T14:20:00.000-04:00

This Rose of Sharon plant was a freebie I received and planted around the pond. As I was focusing in on this flower, I noticed how it appears to be a face of a little pig inside...see the two eyes and the big snout? Yes, I've been in the woods a long time! Then there's the small butterfly enjoying the Hydrangea tree and its' changing blooms of soft pinks, creams and sage greens. Here I am once again bonding with a Meadowhawk dragonfly. They are so friendly and curious. When I came home from being out on Wednesday, I looked out my truck windshield to see if I had one of my little red friends greeting me(as they often do). I didn't see a one...but as I turned to open the door...there was a Ruby Meadowhawk perched on my rear view mirror just looking at me. As usual, a couple "walk" me up to the cabin, along with Bandit, my faithful outdoor cat. In order to capture a great shot and to prove that I'm not seeing things, I took my camera with me when I went out Thursday and Friday. I cleaned my truck rear view mirror and window just for this "great shot"! Guess what?? No great shot! No proof! BUT....one clean window and mirror!! Who needs to buy garden whimsy when you have the real thing? This white mushroom popped up among my bedding flowers, and I like it...just where it is! In a shaded corner of my rock garden where the previous waterfall was, it is just bursting with various shades of greens and violets! I love to see the different color combinations that show up with the different seasons. The Meadowhawk dragonfly basking in the sunshine on the tippy top of my largest Weigela bush just looks magical in the glow, doesn't she? In my last photo is the view I see as I sit on the dock deck and look on the left bank of the pond. This is where alot of damsel and dragon action occurs during the warm months. They do love that all those cattails at the far end! I think there's some serious hide-n-seek games going on...in and around those tall reeds. Now, I never promised garden advice, words of wisdom, beautiful photos of places visited, or showcasing various corners of the world...just some photos of my little paradise. I began this blog on a whim...just clicked "create blog" to see where it took me. Then I figured this would be a good way for my family to see what I feel and what makes me...ME. Complicated... yet simple. Serious...yet whimsical. When family all comes out...no one takes the time to experience the little nuances here in the woods... we are talking and laughing. Good memories, yes, but there is much more our woods have to offer. Right now, at this point in my adult children's lives, they have no interest or need to feel my "calm" in this little "dream come true "my hubby and I created(along with some help from them). So as this has turned into a journal, somewhat, maybe someday when I've passed on....my children will have that need to feel what I feel. Here it will always be. Wow!....all this just to say I hope you enjoy my little treasures!

Considering a new camera? You might want to check out the camera recommendations(at my request), on my , Damsels and Dragons of Wishnik Woods blog. Go to the comments on Post dated ...Saturday, Sept. 27 th. I feel all three contributing bloggers have just great photos. If you have a recommendation for me, please feel free to leave a comment!

AS THE LEAVES FALL...

2008-09-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was such a perfect fall day, and I admit there's nothing going on in the gardens to brag about now . What's nice is to take a little walk around the pond or woods and find something unexpected. Across from my waterfall along the woods' edge, I have a wooden bench and table to sit and watch the falls. Just for a little color I planted impatiens at the base of my Rose of Sharon bush. Around the flowers I've placed logs as a natural border. We've had no rain in days and I have yet to water those ever thirsty flowers...but just look how pretty the wildflowers show against the autumn leaves and the rugged texture of the log. Mother Nature does it better than I could ever do! In the shallow end of the pond, where the winds take the majority of the fallen leaves, a butterfly landed on the leaves as I was admiring the view. I noticed the outside edges of this butterfly are white, and I don't recall ever seeing one such as this before. It is a well-known fact that I focus on the dragonflies a little more, though! Now, let's talk about rude!!! I'm walking along the bottom of the falls...right where it flows into the pond...and I see this little serpent sticking out of the leaves. The snake allowed me to take plenty of photos, but as I got closer...it decided to stick his tongue out at me! No, I didn't return the favor...as far as I understand...that is how they "smell". I may be wrong, feel free to correct me. Now, I had two of my Meadowhawk dragonflies following me at this point and were within inches of this creature. That's when I stopped photographing the snake! Here's another..."go ahead at laugh at me " moment. I have twice saved critters(a frog and a toad) out of snakes' mouths. L-o-n-g stories...but honest to God, I succeeded. I even coaxed the critters away from the snakes after the release. Yes, I am a nutcase! I know the snakes have to eat...but not in front of me! The last photo is our resident pond turtle...that is his favorite sunning spot. My hubby believes that he's a good sized painted turtle. No snappers, thank you! When I was a child I got bit by a snapper. Holy Toledo!!...did that ever hurt and did a number on my thumb, too! I was told usually you have to behead them for release...you don't want to know how I got it off...but, there was no beheading!

FALL HAS BEGUN...

2008-09-21T08:41:00.000-04:00

Up and early...coffee on the dock...it's a peaceful morning with just a hint of crisp in the air. Nothing that my hubbys' robe can't cure! I ventured out with jammies, "garden slippers", and my husbands' robe. As I was just trying to still focus and function after a fairly decent night rest, I looked across the pond and watched as leaves fell silently graceful to the pond. The sun was barely peeking over the back hill and the sky was still a sleepy blue with subtle shades of pink tinted clouds. The tall pines and hardwood tree tops showing up black against the sky...it was the perfect dawn. After I nearly inhaled my first cup of coffee...I just had to take a little walk around the pond to try and capture what I felt this morning! I was hoping the photo of the leaf just falling onto the surface of the pond would capture the ripples of the water! As I am preparing this post, it's a bright, warm and sunny day out. I do love fall...and even some winter...just not SO much of the latter. My waterlily photograph was put in the mix just because I can't get enough of them!! The lily was not yet opened at that time of the morn. Actually, that photo was late evening. Just so pretty all the same!

SEPTEMBER BLOOMS...

2008-09-18T07:40:00.000-04:00

Wild asters of white, pink and lilac are scattered along the damn, around the pond and the woods' edge at this time of season. I enjoy coming across some of the wildflowers that I didn't plant...it's just a nice little surprise when out taking a walk. Some see these flowers as a nuisance...but in a natural setting they are right at home wherever they plant their roots! The sedum are starting to bloom, and as these are very hardy and vigorous, I've scattered them various places in the woods as well. The Daylily shown here showing off is the last of all my daylillies to bloom...well, other than a few of the Stellas are still producing a bloom or two. In the last photo is a plant that was given to me...I believe it's another variety of sedum. At the time, I had nowhere in particular that I wanted it planted...so, as many others, I placed it on the woods' edge on a side of a hill. It just rambles along beautifully showing its' pretty pink shades in the morning and evening sun. I guess I found the perfect spot after all!

OF LATE SUMMER...

2008-09-17T21:38:00.000-04:00

We have many turkey families living in our woods...this one decided to ruffle his feathers for me...this photograph was actually taken through a window. There's many times we'll see 20-30 of them all strutting along the pond, behind the cabin, and even up close to our porch and dock. They're most vocal in the evening talking to each other and flapping up in the trees. You should see all five of my cats at the window watching them. I have witnessed this particular turkey within 3 feet of one of the outdoor cats...they saw each other... neither one seemed to mind the other. Possibly they are familiar with each other from living in the same woods? This is one of my last cone flowers, I have a few more popping up here and there. They are a simple flower, yet so important for the insects in the garden. I'm not sure who enjoys them more...myself or the butterflies and bees! All of my Endless Summer Hydrangeas are putting on a spectacular show of metamorphosis, I enjoy seeing the change of colors on a bloom as it changes on a daily basis. My last photograph is the sunset behind the damn, reflecting on the water...just so serene. And what is that?...Another orb over the pond!? I'm sure it is an insect...but fun to think what it could be! Unlike my first post on the orb...it was not raining in this photo.

LAST BIT OF SUMMER...

2008-09-12T21:42:00.000-04:00

Today as I post, this is my beautiful granddaughters' birthday. My little saying to Celine is ..."I love you to the moon and back, more than all the stars in the sky!" And of course, she always tries to out do me with just how much she loves me, which I don't mind one bit! Time sure does fly...so do the summers. I believe this is my last bloom that my Johnson Blue geraniums are going to give me. They always looked so pretty spilling over the rocks, especially when we had our first waterfall next to the dock. I had them scattered here and there on the sides going down. Our new waterfall across the pond has no plantings on the sides this year, we'll probably to some of that next spring. Our current waterfall starting back on the woods' edge has quite a long way down to the pond. It will not be as "decorated" on the sides, as we are going for a much more natural look this time around. Patches is relaxing alot lately in one of Bandits' favorite hangouts. My Splish Splash(I'm pretty sure that was the name?) geraniums are trying to give it one last go at a bloom or two...not much of the lavender color showing on this round. That's o.k. ... I'm just happy to see any blooms right about now. The Ruby Meadowhawk perched on the plant of the ponds' edge...I thought was a nice photo with the cloud reflection. When I viewed my photos after transferring them, I noticed the rings in the water. I have no idea what caused that little added effect, maybe a little frog jumped in...I don't know, but I liked the overall look! This is the first time I've ever seen a yellow ladybug! I have seen the red and the orange ones, but never a yellow one. She's enjoying my hydrangea tree. If she is not a ladybug, please let me know what she is. My biggest thrill around the pond and gardens is if a dragonfly lands on a flower. I have waited and waited for one to land on my waterlily. A dragonfly flew between my camera and the waterlily as I posted earlier. I've photographed a damselfly on my lily, but one hasn't landed right on my waterlily. Finally I have that shot...only the Ruby Meadowhawk landed on an unopened bloom instead of the opened lily. This dragonfly met me again when I came home and flew right next to my head all the way up to the cabin. When I came back outside about 20 minutes later...there it was on the porch facing the cabin. That was pretty risky for the little one because Bandit and two of the other outside cats were lounging fairly close by on the porch as well. "We" proceeded to go down to the dock together and then took "our" walk together around the pond. Both dragonfly photos are the same Meadowhawk. As the summer nears its' end, I'm trying to focus on enjoying what it still offers now, rather than thinking about what's to come in a few months. I've got to enjoy the now and the fall season, instead of jumping to thoughts of short days and long cold nights. A final note to Mom...who reads this...see, I'm not all alone in the woods! When I go for my walks, I not only have the company of the cats following me...but the fish and the dragonflies! No mom...I can't get enough of nature! As far as conversation...I talk to them. And, uh, don't worry...I haven't heard them answer me back!!

JUST DREAMY...

2008-09-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

Yes...I'm still playing with my Picasa !!!...and loving it. These photos were taken at different times of the day... the first is a Ruby Meadowhawk dragonfly that insisted on following me around on my entire walk around the pond... everywhere I went. We played hide and seek around the hydrangea tree, that was pretty amusing! I do have photos of that. I had quite a treat when I returned home today. We don't have a garage, just a stoned parking area. As I was putting my truck in park, I looked up and a Ruby Meadowhawk was hovering in front of my windshield looking straight at me. I got out of the truck and it was within two feet of my face! Honest to God truth!! Now that was a warm welcome home!! (should've had the old camera!). On the top photo I adjusted the color, added glow and soft edges...hoping for that dreamy look. Of course, that's the look I was going for in all the photos. The next two photos I added just glow and soft edges. I love the starry effect on the edges of the lily pads from the suns' reflection. The last one is a dragonfly in flight as well...only I just softened the edges. Both of the dragonfly photos were too blurry to crop any closer to be honest. So, I figured that you can't waste otherwise beautiful photos of a magnificent creature.

SOFT WATERCOLORS...

2008-09-08T06:13:00.000-04:00

I just found a new toy!!....go ahead and laugh...I admit that I'm a computer illiterate! This past weekend I just discovered what my picassa can do..and I'm having fun with the soft edge effect! Here is the same waterlily at different times of day and one of the photos is taken from across the pond. This effect seems to really go well the the waterlillies and water.

ON THIS LAST DAY OF AUGUST...

2008-08-31T08:45:00.000-04:00

Here it is already, the last day of August, I remember my grandfather saying that" the older you get...the seasons just fly by faster and faster each year". In my case, I'd have to agree with him. As my husband and I sat on the dock last night around 7:oo p.m., it was the perfect evening. It's my favorite time of the days' end...the sun is low in the sky, casting shadows across the land and pond. The tall trees look so majestic ... the sun doing its' magic creating the contrast of half the tree and leaves, bright and sunny...while the other half is deep and dark. Our trees are all on good sized hills, so it makes for an interesting pattern as your eye scans the landscape. The water looks black at this time of evening, with sharp, crisp reflections all across the ponds' surface. There was an ever so gentle breeze and the perfect amount of warmth in the air. I told my husband that I've really been feeling the need to paint again...something I've always wanted to do and earlier this year, finally discovered that I enjoy it immensely. He said," why don't you go in and start painting now...you have a long weekend". I didn't, and the reason being is that as I sat there, all I wanted to do was soak up that perfect calm. I kept thinking to myself and finally aloud to my husband, how few evenings we have left this year that will be like this. I have to make these moments on the dock last, soak them up and save them for a dreary day that's surely ahead! It was a bittersweet feeling. Last evening could've been late spring...how it felt...and the feeling would've been quite different. I would've thoroughly enjoyed it, knowing there were many more of the same to come. For my mother, she feels sadness at this time of day in the summer months...as my father passed away around that time of day...at home...outside. Perception...and now I'm thinking too much here...that's when I get in trouble! Back to the last day of August...not much going on in the gardens, everything is winding down...ready for a much needed rest. Our summer was particularly dry and hot...I can't pull our hoses around the gardens and pond anymore due to back problems as of last year(we have a very, very, very long hose!). That job falls on my hubby now...and with him driving such a distance to and from work...time is limited for him. If he pulls the hose in certain areas close to the cabin, I can water for a short time before I feel the weight of the hose pulling my muscles down...then I have to stop. I used to love watering my gardens with the hose, I found it to be relaxing. Uh-oh...thinking again!! Well, at least the bees and butterflies are going about their business! It seems that all at at once I've noticed a surge in bees, especially the honey bee. Mmmm?? To end this post on a happy note...I found a sunflower growing not too far from our bird feeders!! Obviously a little present from the birds which I was thrilled to see growing! A few years back ...we made attempts to grow them in the sunniest spot we had at the time, with no luck. Here's my little beauty shown just shining...in an area that only receives early morning sun for about 2 hours, and very late evening sun for about an hour! What is up with that?! Did you notice the little lady on the sunflower?!

IN DRAGONFLY HEAVEN!!!...

2008-08-24T20:01:00.000-04:00

Oh, yes I am!...Look who came back again today...and brought friends! I had just walked out onto the dock and sat down and it flew right down in front of me on the dock - as if to say,"where were you?" (just indulge me in my fantasy world!) Then it proceeded to come closer and closer. This dragonfly may have been the one that I spent so much time with yesterday. I can't tell you many times it was within inches of my face...just looking at me. My husband and stepson were fishing there watching this. It would follow me and my camera...so many times I took photos with the camera held smack next to my face..I tried it on the auto and close up settings...but the pictures were too blurry...the Dragon was just too close! It also allowed me to pet its' wings several moments at various times. I spent awhile out there and then I spotted three other "Ruby Meadowhawks" (if I'm correct on the identification). At one point... my husband moved our waterlily plant to a different spot. As he was canoeing away with the plant..one "Widow Skimmer" came right ON MY FACE and fluttered its' wings...a little upset maybe?! Not me..the dragonfly! Possibly eggs were deposited there? The pond is down a good eight inches...and the waterlily plant has grown so much, that it needed to be moved anyhow. It's a good thing my dragonfly photos are close ups where I'm taking them, because right now the shallow end of the pond is quite mucky. Not a pretty sight...we need a good long rain. The last photograph is just one of the times the little guy(or girl) was watching me!

THIS AND THAT...

2008-08-24T07:26:00.000-04:00

It was late in the evening and the sun was setting...I was taking an evening stroll around the pond when I looked to the woods and saw a "preview" of what's yet to come. What caught my attention was where the beam of sunshine had rested, highlighting the lone tree that was the first to give in to the fall. I felt that was worthy of this photo. With green being my favorite color and the delicate damselfly also a favorite...I couldn't help but to sneak this in my post. There's the contrast of the fragile damselfly and the strength of the rocks. Such a great shot...I'm going to have to print this one to frame. How I wish the Bat that I photographed would have been as good...but, it will have to do for now...I'll keep trying to get a better one. I would really like to photograph one flying high with the moon in the background! Mmmm???...what do you think the chances are of that? Kudos to the bats, they are great for mosquito control. It is very rare that you'll see all five of my indoor cats together like this...must've been a really BIG Bug out there! They will get together if the turkeys are out walking around the cabin. Left to right is...DeNiro, Isabelle, Sugar, Scarlett and Licorice. And finally...a Swallowtail on one of my butterfly bushes. I still can't believe how the butterflies and bees just land right on top of a gathering of beetles and go about their business.

ROYAL VISIT OF A RED DRAGON...

2008-08-24T07:10:00.000-04:00

I am one happy camper!...I was quite surprised when this red dragonfly came to visit our pond yesterday! I am taking a guess at this being a "Ruby Meadowhawk"...and please...if anyone knows better, leave me a comment of correction. I would like to start and try to identify all of the species of damselflies and dragonflies that hang out at Wishnik Woods. It's the first time that I've seen this one...we spent quite a while together bonding. It allowed me to pet its' wings several times. I love that I was able to capture a photo while I was touching him(or her?)...of course my hand looks a little funky in the shot and full of grass seed(?) from having to push through some tall plants full of seed..o.k. - my vanity aside....that was one tough shot to take. I was in a half squat position, leaning forward, arms outstretched...and my arm holding the camera was unsteady and shaking! All I have to say, is that was one circus balancing act I was in!! All the while I was hoping that I wouldn't sink in the mucky marsh water at that end of the pond. The photo of the two golden colored small dragonflies mating are two "Eastern Amberwings" They flew all around me in this position and finally ended here in my Japanese willow bush. In the last photograph is a pair of "Widow Skimmers", I believe. Once again, please correct me if I'm wrong. Obviously, I enjoy the the beauty and amazing antics of these creatures. I am in the process of setting up a blog featuring just photos of the dragonflies and damselflies. They must just take my stress away on their wings and drop my worries off somewhere else... while watching and admiring them I am totally relaxed...I've found that calm.

PINK DIAMOND REFLECTION...

2008-08-21T14:46:00.000-04:00

I photograph many of my plants using the pond as a background(or a foreground as in this case) simply because the water compliments whatever I am trying to capture. Shown is one of my two "Pink Diamond" Hydrangea trees that I have planted around the pond. This tree in particular offers a waterfall of blooms...my other tree has struggled and has stayed small, yet still offers a few blooms. I really need to move the smaller tree because of the soil conditions, I believe. We just have hard clay and every garden spot has to amended, which has been costly through the years...and really, my garden soil is still far from perfect. I used to have 5 quite large gardens besides what I have now...they all had to be moved due to an addition to the cabin, construction of the pond and the pond itself. A couple of beds were just a fighting battle due to constant moisture, so I am moving plants little by little around the pond. When we first bought our property here, I remember sitting in my office with my husband and a couple of co-workers. My husband mentioned that after we built our cabin, we were going to put in a pond...one of the girls asked how big it was going to be. Well, I answered, "oh something small ....about 15ft. by 15ft." My husband almost choked, laughed and said, "you've got to be kidding me!!!" I pictured a small fishless pond with a small waterfall and plants around the edges(something to take a dip in!) He pictured a small lake with bass and bluegill! He got his pond -1/4 acre (and fish! - no dipping for me!), but I have my waterfall. I have to say, I now am so glad we did it his way! Also shown is an up close view of the "pink Diamond"... as fall nears, the blooms undergo a metamorphosis, they change to a rich pink/mauve color. As I mentioned earlier, we have alot of moisture here- we have a huge three way watershed leading to the pond, due to being surrounded by three very large hills on our property. I have lost many, many plants...even though I thought that I could amend the situation - wrong!! I used to have quite a few Scabiosa in pinks, whites, blues, and yellow. Now all I have are three of the purple left. We'd have to re-do many areas into raised beds..anymore ...we just aren't up to that. So, here is a photo of my one bloom I have! Shown next is another Hibiscus in rose pink...most of the blooms were the dessert of THOSE Japanese beetles. Finally, there is the tried and true...geraniums. I haven't a clue of how to properly take a photo, and I'm sure a few of you are experts and look at these photos and say to yourselves ...that background shouldn't be black...I don't know how it should look...but, I really like the dark background...just as it turns out! Basically, I started this blog as a diary for myself...and for family to see what moves me.

HANKY PANKY IN WISHNIK WOODS!!!(X-RATED)...

2008-08-19T20:32:00.000-04:00

Let me start off by saying that you must be 21 or over to view this post!! See the first photo...well, I'm taking a picture of my waterlily, and my little friend flies right in front of me!!! Look closely!...notice the smile on that cute face?....in the next photo you can see why there was a smile plastered on the little mug! Yes....love is in the air here at Wishnik Woods. That handsome green stud...I have been trying to get a clear shot of him for weeks(green is my favorite color)....now he's strutting his stuff!...and right in front of me! At one point, the handsome couple in the last two photos were within a foot of me. I suppose the fresh country air, warm sunny days, moonlit nights on the pond and beautiful scenery make this a perfect honeymoon getaway nestled way back in the woods! (well now - let's just hope these guys are in a committed relationship!). All of this excitement is happening around here daily lately...hope there's many new dragonflies next year...at any one point...on a sunny day....there could be 30 of the dragonflies gliding through the air and a few wander off to the gardens. Next year will be the fourth year for our pond, my fingers are crossed...hopefully, come next summer I'll be enjoying the outcome of all this HankyPanky!!!

SUMMER BREEZE...

2008-08-12T16:35:00.000-04:00

Deep breath in....and slowly let it out...a-h-h-h ..now feel the warm sunshine on your face and the gentle breeze...gliding across and rippling the water, through the young cattails...then gently blowing through your hair....hear the few crickets and all the song birds singing. How's that for setting a mood?! That view of the pond reminds me of watercolors. I still have a few more daylillies in bloom, not many...doesn't the day lily look as if it's saying come her and look at me with her "finger" motion? Yes, I know I'm obsessed with the daylillies and dragonflies, but this dragonfly photo I caught was after a little ballet this speed racer and I did together. This was taken in the late evening...matter of fact, the rest of the dragonflies had retired. I was out doing a last walk of the day collecting my third jar of beetles..I must've woke up this guy...I've only seen him once this summer...he's a big one actually! Dragonflies are the fastest insects on earth...well, he showed off his talents like no other!! All around me he zoomed ...and close! I must've ticked him off? I had to run in the cabin for the camera..he waited for me and the ballet began! I set my camera on sports action to catch this photo... I probably took 50 shots. Just let me say...thank god we live way back in the woods...otherwise if anyone saw this scenario of me twirling and leaping around in circles...they would've had a good laugh and then made that call to the funny farm! As of late, I am finally seeing a couple of other butterflies rather than just the monarchs...this colorful beauty is resting on one of my Hydrangea trees. Somehow, I lost my 5th photo here..our connection is so bad due to our location and being in a valley type setting...I can be working on something and I lose it...very frustrating!! So, use your imagination on the last photo...I don't know... maybe visualizing my ballet? Do I need to set the mood again?...no, for your sake, I won't go there!

SOARING AMONG THE CLOUDS...

2008-08-11T20:30:00.000-04:00

Actually, this playful dragonfly is gently gliding just above the waters' surface! Isn't this captured moment just magical?! Love, love, love the reflection of the sky as a backdrop for this fanciful flight! What a life, huh? It's so relaxing and enjoyable for me to watch...dragonflies must enjoy life! I caught this mirror image of the waterlily.....not too far off was the small golden dragonfly, this type of dragonfly has become more trusting of me as the summer has progressed. Take a good look at the direction of Bandits' eyes as she lays under the canoe on the dock.....she was caught by surprise as this fairly decent sized dragonfly teased her zooming around and under the canoe....catch me if you can!! The little toad hiding under the rock finally came out just enough to pose for me. It is the most relaxing feeling around the pond...I hope you feel a little of the calm here at Wishnik Woods.