Day Two Hundred Fifteen 2011

Had fun snapping some random shots in black and white. And shades of gray. Happy Middle Of The Week, everyone!

Day Two Hundred Six 2011

Slow day in my universe. Is it just me, or does this Dahlia look sad? Today was the first day of school here. I have the feeling there might have been lots of sad faces this morning.

Day One Hundred Ninety Four 2011

The Lantana is attracting butterflies (as advertised) and the bees seem to love it, too. The last picture is a little pink Dahlia blooming in the back yard. I love these (this one didn't want to show its pretty face), but they aren't doing too well this summer. Hubby Neil says you have to dig them up and separate the bulbs. I think that might be a job for the gardener in the family (Neil? Hello?).

Day One Hundred Eighty Two 2011

Bumble bee found a nice hiding place in this pink dahlia. I think he must have been asleep because he didn't mind my taking his picture.

Day One Hundred Ninety Three 2010

Cell Phone Camera Pix With Solaris Color Setting

The solaris color setting on my cell phone camera can give a photograph a painted or posterized look. These pictures are so small; it's hard to see the effect. Click on the pic to check out a larger size. Does your cell phone camera have a solaris color setting? Try it. It's neat.

Day One Hundred Eighty 2010

Dahlias Rock

Dahlias were cultivated by the Aztecs, taken to Europe by the Spaniards, and soon spread throughout the world in widely different climates. They are the national flower of Mexico. There are 18 species and thousands of hybrid varieties. Bet you did not know these things about Dahlias. Neither did I. Neil planted them a long time ago in the back yard, and they bloom each Summer. One more thing about Dahlias--they love posing for pictures.

Day One Hundred Sixty Eight 2010

Little Bit Of This, Little Bit Of That

Grand kids Shelby and Elijah were getting dressed just before lunch this morning. Elijah put his Scooby Doo underwear on his head and raced around the room. Kids in motion always make for blurry pictures, but it's hard to resist.

Elijah Man (and underwear) in motion. Makes me dizzy.

They made Father's Day cards for their dad this afternoon. I have lots of card stock (Shelby calls it "thick paper", which it is), and they like to use my stamps and stamp pads to create their art. Shelby's card is so sweet. Her daddy is going to love it.

Elijah stamped for a while, then realized it was much more fun making colorful fingerprints. His card is pretty cool.

Gala apple slices dipped in caramel make a yummy snack. For me.

Neil bought a sack of peaches from the Mennonite family's fruit and veggie stand on Willow Avenue at lunch. He and daughter Holly love peaches. Peaches smell like Summer to me. Holly sniffed one and said, "Smells like Grandpa. He always had peaches." I thought that was such a sweet remembrance.

The Dahlia takes a bow. Lots of them blooming in the backyard right now. Hope your Thursday was full of good stuff, too.

Day Two Hundred Fifteen

Me and my shadow peace out on the freshly painted front porch this afternoon.

Can't resist those Dahlias. Even the back side is pretty.