Wild life...

The rain was back and we tried to out run it by heading north to the zoo in Rochester NY.  As plans go, not well thought out but by some miracle, effective.  It stopped raining as we got within shouting distance of the front gates.  Of course, we had less than an hour to race around the zoo and see what we could see.  The animals are all so well cared for but it is still hard for me to see them behind fences and bars.  The images posted here are beautiful to me because I was able to take them without trying to see through or over barriers.  They have done a great job with the habitats and I was grateful that the gorgeous tigress couldn't wander over and gnaw on me but I wished for a better photo op.  Time for a safari!!!  August 21st

Other people's gardens, part 5 revisited...

Another day and the sun came out to play so we headed back to Ms Betty’s garden. This is such a lovely place and so full of so many good things.  My son eats the berries faster than he can pick them and we look to see what will be ready the next time we visit.  The plums are almost ready and the blackberries are ripening everyday.  The scarecrows have done their job, with dirty faces to prove their commitment to the cause.  Such a wonderful day.  August 20th

Reap what you sow..

Another trip to upstate NY and a visit to one of the prettiest places I know.  This time I thought I would capture a little more of the beauty inside and outside the winery.  Jenny is the mascot and roams the place secure in the knowledge that she owns all she sees.  You can tell she believes that.  Look closely at the last two images.  Can you see my friend hiding in the grass?  August 19th

A little magic...

As we watched Harry walk into his ultimate fate in glorious 3D I was taken by how much I was going to miss his world merging with mine occasionally.  Thanks to J. K. Rowling weaving her spell over us all, we had a first row seat in class at Hogwarts for so many years.  I hated graduating.  

However, after years of waiting for each book to make its way onto shelves I got to watch my son devour the series one book after the other, as I would have loved to experience.  For him, this truly was a magical summer.  When he finished each book we watched the corresponding movie and then he moved onto the next.  He couldn't put them down.  I knew the feeling well.  When he found himself at the end of The Deathly Hallows, I asked him if he felt sad.  He had the best answer, 'No way.  I can go back and just start over any time I want.'  That is the beauty of a great book, it never gets old.  August 18th

Beyond the fence...

I know what is behind this fence but I like imagining what could be there so much more.  What would you like to find?  August 17th

Faded beauty...

A random fence line with weeds and trash, I know, but it was so sweetly charming.  A shabby chic corner of the world that gets walked past and overlooked daily.  There was something poignant about the clutter of blossoms brightening up the debris.  The faded flag has stories to tell, I just know it.  August 16th 

Really scary...

It needs to be said.  I have waited for a while now, just check out my earlier attempt at sidestepping the issue, but I can't hold back any longer.  IT IS TOO EARLY!  There, I have said it.  I am sure I will be saying the same thing about turkeys with pilgrim hats in September and jolly red coated men with big bags of plastic swag in, well, September but that doesn't change the facts: I do not have the will power to avoid fun size Snickers for 3 months!  And yes, I know that is their evil scheme.  August 15th